SOCIAL Cohesion Minister Amna Ally has called on citizens to work side by side with the government and to forgo their political differences in an effort to transform the country – politically, socially and economically.

Minister Ally made this call on Sunday while meeting with residents at Mabaruma and Port Kaituma in Region 1 (Barima/Waini).

“You have the clear responsibility to foster unity among diverse populations and create a vision for a common future that pivots on the acceptance of differences with a view to harvesting the strengths that are inherent in diverse societies” – Minister Amna Ally

“Regardless of our political persuasions, we must unite and work as one for the development of our region,” she said, while noting that Guyana could only experience true development if there is

cohesion and co-operation.

Addressing the large gatherings, first at the Mabaruma Primary School and subsequently at the Port Kaituma Community Centre, Minister Ally explained that the government through the Social Cohesion Ministry is engaging citizens at the community level in a national conversation in its quest to foster togetherness and national unity.

This, she explained, was one of the short-term recommendations coming out of the National Roundtable, which was held on September 3, 2015 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC).

“These principles serve as the touchstones of our social cohesion work-plan and are aimed at fostering greater cohesion within diverse communities and national unity between them and across the country,” Minister Ally asserted.

In outlining her plan for the achievement of cohesiveness in the country, she stated clearly that it cannot be achieved solely by the government.

“You have the clear responsibility to foster unity among diverse populations and create a vision for a common future that pivots on the acceptance of differences with a view to harvesting the strengths that are inherent in diverse societies,” Ally declared.

She added: “You can make a positive change in our country…We recognise that behavioural change is a pillar of reconciliation in this country and we must all contribute to achieving the good life that we all want right here in Guyana.”
In capitalising on the opportunity, some of the residents raised several concerns, including the neglect of their roads, children and social welfare, which the minister promised to look into.
One resident, Antonio (only name given), in welcoming the minister’s visit, said that the region had been neglected for far too long under the previous administration and it is the residents’ hope that much-needed changes will take place under this administration.

CALL FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Elizabeth Ramascindo, another villager, used the meeting to call for opportunities for youth empowerment and the need for better roads. “We need jobs for our youths and we have our roads; we need a better road in our community and this should be done as early as possible,” Ramascindo said.

Late last month the Ministry of Social Cohesion, which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency, started the implementation of some short-term recommendations that were put forward during the hosting of the Social Cohesion Roundtable.