I, ROSHAN Khan, wish to express congratulations to President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Cabinet, and the entire Government of the day for being elected President and Government of Guyana.

I am extremely impressed with the way things are moving calmly, yet with dynamism.

I feel particularly inspired by His Excellency and Government for ensuring and inspiring the city and nation to conduct a general cleanup of communities.

I am most delighted, particularly for our Garden City of Georgetown, and also for so quickly deciding to present National Awards to deserving Guyanese, international personalities, and institutions.

This is a master stroke, in my opinion.

I take special pride in learning that an organisation and religious institution in which my family and I are active members and supporters has been honoured for its great work and contributions to Islam and humanity in general.
This is not only in West Coast Demerara, but also for all Guyana.

I am speaking of the indomitable and beautiful edifice and well managed institution and group, The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex.
Besides its works, its resource administrator, President General Hakim Khan, is truly a man of charisma and much instrumentality. The Board and Trustees are most committed and dedicated to the works of the complex. The institution displays many instrumentalities in itself. It definitely has become the most reputable and functional Islamic and human-serving centre in Guyana now.

Maybe the powers that be will one day honour this amazing institution of peace and universal harmony on a postage stamp of our beloved Republic of Guyana. It gears to serve every community, regardless of religious or ethnic considerations and group. Indeed, I, Roshan Khan, my family and enterprises will only support and sponsor such institutions, individuals and religious groups that are open and respectful to all Guyanese.

While I acknowledge many great and most useful achievements of the previous administration or Government of Guyana, National Awards and Honours are one area in which I totally disagreed with them, and even complained about.
It is known that all Governments, at times, will err or not see eye to eye with its supporters, and even people in general. In my opinion, they held the National Award as a thing of personal property, and they were very stingy in their conferral of national awards. It is an honour which should have been done annually or at least every two years. The credit most rightfully goes to the Government of President Granger. So, kudos to President Granger!!

Another area of disagreement I had with the previous Government is the appointment of Marriage Officers, Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits, and Justices of the Peace, all of which were directed mostly through one Islamic organisation; and the same situation applied with the Hindu groups in regard to recognition and facilities. Some were most stingily given out, maybe in extreme cases to others, here and there. They placed all their eggs in one basket.

In reference to Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits, I was reliably advised that, for maybe over a year, the files were lying on the former President’s desk. I even sent out a message to his office as a friendly reminder that the files are on his desk awaiting his final approval and signature. I suggested that it would be prudent to do it before the elections and his signature would be on the approval, that families would be happy and motivated. They are still lying there. I have to smile when I think about it.

Governments must learn to listen.
So President Granger, in fairness to you and your Government, you are doing great things in stealth, but yet with power to enhance confidence and even support. Rational acts and positive behaviour will garner more and more to your support base.

Congratulations for this wise and timely decision with regard to the national awards, especially to the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex.
May God bless all Guyana always! I pray that all, including supporters of the now Opposition, and the Opposition leaders themselves, would please realise that this is our country; and while supporting their party, they must never forget we must all be patriots of a great and successful country.

ROSHAN KHAN
International Islamic Peace Ambassadors Network