“THE principal objective of the system of 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 13 of the Guyana Constitution should become the sword and shield of citizens against discrimination, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo told the closing session of a one-day Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021 validation workshop held at the Marriott Hotel. The Prime Minister said a society that is cohesive works towards the well-being of all its members, fights exclusion and marginalisation, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers its members the opportunity of upward social mobility.
The one-day workshop was organised by the Ministry of Social Cohesion with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Under the theme “Building a unified Guyana” the Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021 validation workshop ended with many recommendations from stakeholders represented from Regions 1-10. The event was hosted at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel.
“Social cohesion has to do with the re-examination of ourselves, much of the social cohesion has to do with us trying to re-enter ourselves and discover inside not a race,not an ethnicity, not a religion, but rediscovering the human in us…” the Prime Minister noted.

He said if introspection is done within oneself it would be realised that the vehicle of the body is not who an individual is but it’s the consciousness and realisation that all are equal is what should always be understood. “We are all entitled to benefits and share the burdens in our country and communities… and article 13 in the constitution provides for social cohesion.”
The Prime Minister explained that Article 13 of the Constitution underscores inclusiveness, decision-making based on consultation and the involvement of all sections of people in decision-making. “This is an article that you should know by heart, because it is in fact both a shield and a sword, you can use it against people who discriminate against you because the supreme law of your country gives you a benefit, gives you a right that no one should take away,” Nagamootoo said “And it also gives you that right as a sword to fight anyone who try to take it away from you, it will defend you and (at) the same time allow you to wage a struggle using Article 13 as both the shield and as a sword.”
He said Guyanese should not be haunted by fears of each other since the population is too small to tolerate conflict since the social cost can be devastating. People must learn to live together and share the earth together. “Social cohesion is our guarantee that our country can develop, can exist and can even prosper,” the Prime Minister said.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton,said his ministry is working to unite all Guyanese and the aim is simple if the golden rule is followed by all persons “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Resident Coordinator UNDP Mikiko Tanaka said social cohesion cannot be done on paper but it revolves around actions and behaviours. “How do we treat other people, how do we think about other people, do we respect everybody around, do we really care for everybody, if we do then we should be mindful of others’ weaknesses and social cohesion will grow and children will copy and learn from what they see,” she explained.