National Day of Prayer encourages religious diversity, freedom in our multiethnic, multicultural society
The `Woodside Choir’ during its excellent
rendition of two national songs. The choir
is celebrating 65 years as a group.
The `Woodside Choir’ during its excellent rendition of two national songs. The choir is celebrating 65 years as a group.

By Wendella Davidson

AT a National Day of Prayer hosted by the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of the Presidency, in collaboration with the Religious Core Group, on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, the need and importance of prayer were emphasised by the diverse presenters.

The forum which was held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), under the theme, “Enhancing the Culture of Prayers: Promoting Religious Harmony”, where Ms Natasha Singh-Lewis, coordinator (ag.) of the Department, in a feature address, encouraged Guyanese here and worldwide, regardless of their social status or religion, to not only respect but have an appreciation for each other’s right to practise their religion unhindered and be kind to each other, as we continue to build this great nation of Guyana.

The event chaired by Reverend (Rev.) R. Tony Autar, featured a welcome address by Bishop Michael Perreira; a `Faithist Prayer’ by Elder Colin Anderson; `Humanity Prayer’ by Hala Bassier; `Quaranic Recitation’ by Sayyid Aqeed Aabidi; `Prayer’ by Ras Simeon Salassie; `Praarthana’ by Pandit Pooran Seeraj and a `Christian Prayer’ by Bishop Charles Davidson of the Anglican Diocese, along with presentations by Moulana Tasdeeq, Pandit Ramdia Balbadar and Reverend Noel Holder.

Among Those in attendance were out-going Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe; members of the Diplomatic Corps; out-going members of Parliament; members of the religious community; members of the Guyana Youth Corps, students and staff of the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport

There were also excellent renditions of national songs `Oh Beautiful Guyana’ and `Hymn for Guyana’s Children’ by the Woodside Choir, along with a poem recited by Maryam Jameel Haniff, a chant by Muslim student, Syesha Yahya and singing of a Bhajan by a female representative of the Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba. A `Blessing Dance’ by representatives of St Cuthbert’s Mission and another by the Royalty Dance Ministries, were all much appreciated by the audience.

An announcement by the emcee that the Woodside Choir was celebrating 65 years of existence this year, was met with resounding applause from the audience.
Singh-Lewis also explained, that Tuesday’s programme portrayed what her department had set out to do four and a half years ago. She noted that it was within the context of the department’s mandate to support actions that strengthen key partnerships across sectors, facilitate bridging of gaps within and across communities, contribute to social, economic, cultural, spiritual well-being and enrich livelihoods for all. In that context, the Government has reached out to the religious communities in Guyana to collaborate in an attempt to strengthen spiritual well-being of its citizens.

Remarking that social cohesion was a process and not just an end, Singh-Lewis said there were many pathways and processes to be encountered and different societies will require different interventions.

She also reminded that Guyana is a multiethnic and multicultural society, that religion is one of the diversities and that the citizens have enjoyed the freedom to practise their religion.

“What we seek to encourage at this point, is not only respect but an appreciation for each other’s right to practise their religion unhindered and what that means for us as Guyanese,” Singh -Lewis stressed, while noting that religious diversity and freedom have always been encouraged in Guyana. The level of religious tensions existing in other parts of the world is alien to us as Guyanese; nevertheless, we should never treat that freedom lightly.

The coordinator expressed the hope that the work that was being done at the community and national levels, will result in behavioural changes. She alluded to this period as one that would be recorded in the country’s history. Most of us will reflect on the strength of the Guyanese people as we strategically work to build a unified nation.

In reiterating the intent of her department by having a collective body, representing the distinct needs and positions of all religious groupings in areas of commonality and mutual respect for each other in such activities, Singh-Lewis said it will lend to creating an awareness of how to respect each other’s religion and unify rather than destroy the nation.

She added that the activity serves to reinforce the concept of integration, bind us as brothers and sisters in humanity whereby we are able to work in our communities together, fostering an environment conducive to individual and community development and eventually leading to national development.

“It sparks the respect for self, morality, togetherness and strengthening societal bonds and, is a wonderful and timely opportunity to promote religious tolerance and understanding, ultimately leading to respect of individual choices and appreciation for each other”, Singh-Lewis added.
The inter-faith prayer session is one of many activities of the Golden Jubilee celebration, including 50 days of prayer which will culminate on Mashramani Day, February 23.

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