FOR its outstanding and consistent promotion and activities within the Muslim community as well as the wider Guyanese community, the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) was officially honoured with Guyana’s fourth highest national award.The Golden Arrow of Achievement was presented last Tuesday by President David Granger at the Investiture Ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre.
The award was accepted by President General of ACIC, Hakeem Khan.
Expressing his jubilation for the award, Khan thanked the Government of Guyana for the recognition and stated that the Board of Management, all members and affiliated organisations across the world, are elated at the honour.
He credited the award to the hard work and dedication of all the members of ACIC who tirelessly support the numerous programmess and activities at the ACIC complex, which also serves as the centre of cultural Islam in Guyana.
Khan said his organisation is indeed truly humbled to be given this national recognition and accepted the award on behalf of all those persons who have made contributions to the development of ACIC in its over 75 years of existence.
Because of their courage and persistence for many decades,the ACIC consistently strives to make a difference, and has in its membership many non-Muslims and even pastors and pandits.
“We have firmly entrenched the name of ACIC in the History of Muslims & Islam in Guyana with this recognition,” stated Khan.
He said the ACIC will continue to work to create a society which recognises that all people are born equal with equal entitlement to the amenities of life, liberty, prosperity, human rights and good governance.
“This award will propel us to make an even greater contribution to the Guyanese society through the great values that our beautiful religion of Islam has taught us.
“We will stand closely with the forces of inclusion in our country and vigorously oppose the forces that seek to impose racial and religious insecurities in our peoples,” Khan stated.
He added that the award must be seen as an encouragement to other religious groups to take principled stands against issues without fear.
“We believe all religions pursue the same goals – that of promoting human goodness and values with the aim of bringing happiness to all mankind. Though the means may appear different the ends are the same,” Reyaz Hussein, public relations executive said.