PLEASE permit me space in your newspaper. I’m penning this letter in relation to a letter that was published in the newspaper on Friday 3rd July, 2015, which stated: ‘Magnanimity and an apolitical approach will be needed’. I endorse the call for the Minister of Social Cohesion, Mrs. Amna Ali, to be objectively magnanimous in the execution of her duties. And the writer, while he recognised the wisdom of President Granger for the conceptualisation of this ministry, he also presumed to assume that the subject minister, while trying to fathom the major causative factor(s) for the lack of our social cohesion will experience “many sleepless nights.” I’m realistically optimistic that a consciously informed society is capable of profound decision- making.Therefore, it is incumbent on us as Guyanese to comprehend the pivotal role we play in decision-making for nation-building; and article 13 of Guyana’s Constitution states that: “The principal objective of the political system or the state is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well- being.”
This article serves as a binding instrument that will enable us as members of civil society to effectively play our roles in nation-building. However, the perceived challenges that surreptitiously await Minister Amna Ali, can only be overcome if all stakeholders objectively work together for a socially cohesive Guyana.
In conclusion, please consider the following for social cohesion: firstly, we need to understand where we are as a nation and to envision the future for social cohesion, while being cognisant of the change needed which are personal, relational, social-culture, structural, etc. As Guyanese, the future of social cohesion for reconciliation and nation-building is dependent on the mental attitude we exhibit towards the subject matter.

PANDIT DEODATT TILLACK
Psychologist