IN February, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), Inter-religious and International Federation of World Peace of which Guyana and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are members, will be observing Foundation Day with members meeting in Guyana for the first time under the chairmanship of Reverend Dong-Mo Shin.

With 2013 considered “a special year in God’s dispensation”, Rev. Dong-Mo Shin, who joined Pastor Ronald McGarrell from the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO) and leaders of the Caribbean grouping at a courtesy meeting with President Ramotar yesterday, will be leading discussions on the 2013 work programme.
The group gathers for meetings in various parts of the world with the agenda to promote better family life and religious harmony. It is optimistic of change for the better during Foundation Month.
“What we feel is going to change is people’s whole attitude towards life and the purpose of being created… things are going to happen that will eventually force mankind to make the right choices. This world was created for us to live in peace and harmony and to really enjoy the beauty of God’s creation,” Pastor Mc Garell said.
A meaningful chat with President Ramotar yesterday focused on character education, the gender imbalance in educational institutions and its correlation with domestic violence, among other important topics.
The UPF is a global network of individuals and organisations dedicated to building a world of peace in which everyone can live in freedom, harmony, cooperation, and prosperity. Inter-faith peace building, peace and security, marriage and family, culture of peace, service, sports and arts are key to the federation’s doctrines
The plural nature of Guyana’s multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society, where the right to freedom of religious beliefs, expression and association is upheld, makes it a fitting venue for the UPF gathering.
Beginning February 1, Guyana will organise activities to mark the third annual World Interfaith Harmony Week.
The United Nations designated week was included on the annual calendar after a clarion call by King Abdullah II of Jordan on September 23, 2010, for the global community to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at promoting virtues such as respect for all human beings, irrespective of religion, race and the prevention of vices, among them intolerance and racism.
In keeping with the principles of inter- religious unity, the Guyana Government, in partnership with the IRO, had, in October 2011, allocated funding for an Inter-Religious Television (IRTV) channel dedicated to religious programmes on a 24- hour basis. This is within reach.