AS COMMONWEALTH DAY 2016 is observed under the theme “An inclusive Commonwealth”, it is clear that the Commonwealth Secretariat is focusing on the issue of inclusivity. This has arisen as essential in the discussion on human and social development.As Minister of Social Cohesion, I am committed to ensuring that the Ministry initiates strategic actions designed to develop partnerships for pursuing a social cohesion agenda in Guyana. It is recognised that exclusion is a major contributor to poverty and its ill effects. The role of the Ministry is to work with citizens to engender their willingness to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper.

Studies show that wherever social cohesion policies and approaches are applied, the willingness to cooperate is usually reflected in citizens’ freedom to choose partnerships. As a result of these partnerships, citizens have a reasonable chance of achieving goals, because they are willing to work together and equitably share the fruits of their endeavours. The Ministry would undertake those programmes and projects which are necessary to include citizens from all 10 administrative regions of Guyana in the processes for nation-building.

It must be noted that an inclusive Commonwealth can only be achieved if all the countries in the Commonwealth, as a family of nations, achieve inclusiveness at the national level. I recognise that, for our nation to be considered inclusive, we have to promote the inclusion of all Guyanese in the work of building sustainable communities. This is not only essential in delivering equal citizenship, but is a potentially important contributor to improving life for all.

An inclusive society is a society that overrides differences of race, gender, class, generation, and geography. It ensures inclusion, equality of opportunity, as well as capability of all members to determine an agreed set of social institutions that govern social interaction. This is the charge of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, and this is what I am committed to leading processes to accomplish.

Let us recognise that the theme (An inclusive Commonwealth) was not coined in isolation. Rather, it is consistent with several of the Sustainable Development Goals. In fact, the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals is predicated on inclusivity. Goals 4,5,8,9 and 16, in particular, speak to inclusivity.

Guyana has ratified several international human rights conventions, and our Constitution also speaks to a wide range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Every Guyanese has a right to be included in access to education, health, and all social services; as well as decision-making processes.

As the fight against exclusion and marginalisation continues, the Ministry endeavours to continue to partner with other Ministries, civil society, the religious community, international and business communities to undertake those initiatives that are designed to create a sense of belonging, promote trust, and offer Guyanese opportunities for upward mobility.

Those of us who are eligible to vote should ensure that we are included in the decision-making process by participating in the Local Government Elections on March 18th.

An Enjoyable Commonwealth Day 2016 to all.