OUR society is largely defined by our culture. Culture is defined as a way of life. It represents a shared sense of values, norms and expectations.Sociologists have described our society in a variety of ways. Some see our society in pluralistic terms, that is to say that we are a society that is made up of diverse racial and ethnic groups. Apart from our racial diversity, we are also politically and culturally diverse. We are free to belong or not to belong to any religious and political organization of our choice.

The Constitution of Guyana provides for freedom to worship or not to worship, unlike what obtains in some other societies where people suffer persecution if they fail to worship in a particular way. The situation in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Nigeria are particularly disturbing caused by deadly conflicts between Christians and Muslims.

Guyana is a secular state. There is no state sponsored religion and religious teachings do not form part of the education curriculum. This is quite unlike what obtained during colonial days when every pupil was forced to recite Christian prayers regardless of what religious indoctrination they would have been exposed to within the confines of the home or the family.

Some scholars, thankfully not many, view our society not in pluralistic but in ‘dualistic’ terms, implying that we have two predominant ethnic groups who are fiercely competitive for political and economic power. While there may be some validity in this argument, especially since the split of the PPP in the mid-1950s and the subsequent ethnic tensions of the early 1960s, few can deny that race relations in Guyana have improved immensely today when compared to the 1960s.

There is yet another view which held that Guyana is a society in which the various race groups co-exist but do not intermingle. This view has been debunked if not discredited by the large number of inter-ethnic marriages and the increasing bonds of friendship and socialization patterns that cut across the ethnic and cultural divides. Indeed, our census records reveal that ‘Mixed’ comprises the fastest growing segment of the population which has now occupied third spot after East Indians and Africans, in that order.

What we have in Guyana is a unique and distinctive culture that has been enriched by the contributions of the various ethnic groups in the country. All of our ethnic and culture groups have added their bit to create this unique Guyanese fabric which we ought to value and cherish.

In this regard, we have to guard against ethno-culturalism which is a tendency to view society through our own cultural and ethnic lenses. This is not only myopic, but unproductive and unhelpful. The fact is that our society is richer for our diversity and our pluralism. There is nor can there be any ‘ superior’ race or religion. We must always strive to avoid trying to impose our own views, be they political, religious or otherwise, on others. In the market place of ideas, individual choice is always sovereign.

The recently concluded Mashramani celebrations have demonstrated once again that when it comes to our national identity and belonging we are prepared and willing to rise to the occasion.

As Guyanese, we have demonstrated to the world that we are prepared to put aside our differences and celebrate our achievements which are many and substantial.

We have every reason to be proud of ourselves for the wonderful display of creativity and talent on Mashramani Day. Our maturity and cohesiveness were on show and we came out with flying colours. Commendation is in order for the Culture Ministry for pulling off yet another impressive Mashramani celebration.
By Hydar Ally