MINISTER within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues on Tuesday joined Hindu devotees in various communities on the East Coast of Demerara to spread messages of unity and hope.

In the spirit of togetherness, the minister sang bhajans and prayed for divine blessings, peace, and prosperity for the nation during an early morning service with her children and the devotees of the Cove and John Ashram.

In her brief remarks, Minister Rodrigues echoed the call for peace and cohesion, saying, “As we apply these colours, we are no longer able to recognise the colour of each other’s skin. Today we have no colour; we celebrate as Guyanese, as this festival brings all our people together,” she said.

According to a statement on her official Facebook page, Minister Rodrigues urged Guyanese to adopt Phagwah’s spirit in their everyday lives, saying, “We must aim to not live like this one day of the year, but all year round.”

Minister Rodrigues also emphasised that the government will stay committed in fostering harmony amongst all Guyanese.

“We [the government] want to work in mandirs, churches, and masjids to spread the message of unity, and we want all of you to do the same,” she noted.

Rodrigues also paid a visit to the Enmore Shiv Mandir, where she joined worshipers for bhajan and prayers, and repeated her call for peace and harmony.

“I wish you health, strength, and prosperity as we all work together for a prosperous and vibrant Guyana. May peace and prosperity prevail. Happy Phagwah,” she asserted.