–President Ali says; encourages global harmony
–says Guyana, despite its cultural, ethnic diversity, is a symbol of genuine love, peace
By Feona Morrison
AMIDST global tension compounded by troubling events in various parts of the world, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has delivered a loud cry for global peace, emphasising the critical need for de-escalation in conflict-torn regions.
In a moving speech at the First Family’s annual Eid-ul-Fitr celebration on Saturday night, the Guyanese leader highlighted the seriousness of the situation in the Middle East, encouraging nations to prioritise diplomacy and co-operation in the pursuit of long-term peace.
He emphasised the profound unity that binds Guyanese together—a unity forged not only by different circumstances but by shared values and a deep-rooted passion for their nation.
As the festivities unfolded, President Ali took centre stage to reflect on the significance of bonds and the role they play in shaping the cultural fabric of Guyana.
Surrounded by a diverse audience including loved ones, and members of the Muslim community, he spoke with unwavering conviction about the enduring strength derived from their collective heritage and aspirations.
“We are one family; we are the Guyanese family. A family brought together by different circumstances, but a family cemented by our shared values and passion, by our commitment and love for each other, by our tolerance for each other, by other obedience to the rule of law and by our recognition that we are a part of one wider human family,” the Guyanese leader said.
According to him, this recognition was further validated when the Guyanese community “collected more than $86 million for the people of Palestine.”
President Ali emphasised Guyana’s commitment to supporting and raising funds wherever a human family is in need, stating that “we live in a harsh world under harsh circumstances.”
“Why must peace be negotiated if we live a life of peace?” Dr. Ali questioned.
He said that peace should never be a negotiated issue, but rather the value system that each member of the human family lives by.
The Head of State added: “The very fact that we live in a world where peace must be negotiated, tells of the psyche of the system in the world. And what is that system? Must there be war before peace or peace before war? It is an important question: Whether we pursue war and hope for peace or we pursue war and then negotiate for peace.
Or do we pursue peace and make peace a fundamental pillar on which the world stands so war would not have a place in our societies?”
And if this is a key foundation upon which the world must stand, he stated, Guyana, a small country, must demonstrate that—despite our cultural and ethnic differences—we will be the greatest symbol of strength, hope, prosperity, opportunity, and genuine peace and love.
The Head of State said that Guyana has never supported injustice. He advised Guyanese to avoid rehashing the past.
“We have to recognise that the past must instruct our actions in the future. The past must provide the basis through which we make decisions in the future,” Dr Ali said.
He reasoned that one of the most difficult challenges in resolving past injustices is convincing those responsible to own their mistakes and seek for forgiveness.
“You can’t claim to be a new democratic force unless you go through the process of acknowledging your sinful path, of acknowledging your injustices, of acknowledging all the things you would have done contrary to the rule of law and the democratic path. That’s not how it works,” President Ali said.
He stressed that for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, the presidency is more than simply a ceremonial office. He said it is a profound obligation to serve the people and leave a stronger, more united nation.
“I would do myself the greatest injustice if I leave this responsibility that I am humbled to have, with your support, in a worst way than I found it. If I do not do what is best and utilise all that is before me, all the tools and opportunities that are before me and before this government, to leave behind a country that is stronger and more united and a people that care for each other.”
He implored everyone to love and care for one another, quoting the country’s motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
The event was attended by government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and businesspeople, among others. Several Muslim community members received awards for their outstanding accomplishments in a variety of fields, including education, law, commerce, and religion.
