METHODS to advance the development of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) was the focus of discussions between the organisation’s executives and the recently appointed non- resident Ambassador of Turkey to Guyana, Mrs. Sule Oztunc.

The meeting was held yesterday in the boardroom of the CIOG, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
Upon her arrival at CIOG Oztunc was greeted by the President of the CIOG, Mr. Fazeel Ferouz, General-Secretary Hakam Ramjohn, and the Director of Education at CIOG, Sheikh Moeen Ul Hack. During her visit there the ambassador took some time to tour the classes and facilities, which the CIOG has.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Speaking to the ambassador, the Director of Education at CIOG stated that the organisation would welcome any education-related assistance, which the Turkish people are ready to offer.
Moeen Ul Hack added that he would welcome the assistance of any Turkish scholars, lecturers or other trained personnel who possess knowledge of the teachings of Islam – an effort that would allow the students of CIOG to have a more advanced learning experience in the teachings of Islam.
The Turkish ambassador, in brief remarks, committed to providing support to assist in the development of CIOG and lauded the state of the facilities and the programmes offered by the CIOG
According to her, the CIOG is more than capable of continuing the good work they do and reiterated her expression of support for the organisation.
Ambassador Oztunc explained that she will be addressing some of the requests for assistance, which officials of the CIOG have put forward.
She also disclosed that she has worked with the CIOG already on many occasions and further collaboration would not be new.
The Turkish ambassador explained that the meeting was useful because it provided her a better opportunity to listen to some of the CIOG’s views from a first-hand perspective.
She disclosed that in recent times, Turkey has been paying more attention to the lesser developed countries, hoping to assist them more in whatever way possible.
Ambassador Oztunc noted, from what she has seen in Guyana has made her proud because she can see that Guyana is developing and she will definitely assist in the development of the country in the near future.

She also pointed out that she is happy to be in Guyana for the first time ever, and she takes pride in being the Turkish ambassador to Guyana.

CLOSER TIES
Additionally, the Director of the CIOG, during the meeting, expressed his gratitude for the expression of support from the Turkish ambassador.
He stated that since the organisation’s establishment, it has been able to advance the “noble teachings” of Islam to the Muslim community in Guyana, as well as work with the Government of Guyana on other social development initiatives.
The CIOG Head expressed the organisation’s desire for closer ties with Turkish Humanitarian Organisations, an undertaking that the Turkish ambassador could facilitate.
He bemoaned the lack of easier air transit between Guyana and Turkey and pointed out that in order to travel from Guyana to Turkey, one needs to take a flight from Guyana to Canada, the United States of America (U.S.A.) or England, then take another flight to reach Turkey.
On this note, he suggested that the famed Turkish Airways should be brought to Guyana, making travels to Turkey easier.
The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana was formed on the 1st July, 1979 with its primary focus on helping local Muslims through an organised body; over the years of its existence,the CIOG has grown and expanded to the extent that it now also assists non-Muslims.

(By Navendra Seoraj)