THE recently concluded Guyana Inter-religious Harmony Initiative has left an indelible mark on fostering interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding and collaboration among religious leaders and youths in East Berbice.
Spearheaded by the Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement, in partnership with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and funded by KAICIID (King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue), the initiative brought together diverse religious communities in a powerful display of unity and co-operation.

Coordinated by Deodat Persaud, a former Ethnic Relations Commission commissioner and a 2024 KAICIID international cohort intern, the programme sought to create meaningful opportunities for engagement. It involved 16 religious leaders and 15 youths, who together championed the initiative’s goal of promoting peace and social cohesion across Guyana’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.

The initiative’s flagship event, the Interfaith Workshop for Religious Leaders, was held on November 9, 2024. It featured prominent speakers, including the University of Guyana’s Feroze Khan, anthropologist Priya Chandan from Philadelphia, and coordinator Deodat Persaud. Topics ranged from hate speech and bias to conflict resolution and inter-religious dialogue, equipping participants with tools to foster unity and peace.
The workshop garnered widespread praise for its educational and engaging format.

Imam Maulana Fahd Peerzada of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at shared: “This workshop helped us understand tools we can use as leaders to unite our societies in a productive and peaceful manner. I met other religious leaders, exchanged contacts and we agreed to collaborate on future projects.”
Pandit Yudhistir Harrindranauth from the Maharishi Dayanand Gurukula reflected: “This workshop opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding and respecting other faith traditions. It has enriched my spiritual growth and broadened my perspective.”
Christian teacher Marcel Chester described the session as “highly informative and interactive,” adding that it inspired him to organise a field trip for his students to learn more about Guyana’s religious groups.
Participants explored the richness of Guyana’s spiritual diversity through cultural visits to religious sites on October 20, November 9, and November 16. These visits included stops at the Queenstown Jama Mosque, Winners Cathedral, Cove and John Bharata Sevashram, and the New Amsterdam Mosque.

By observing various traditions and practices, participants deepened their understanding of Guyana’s religious heritage, building bridges between communities.
The Interfaith Youth Exchange Programme, held October 19–20, united 15 youths from East Berbice and Georgetown for dialogue, cultural exchange and community service.
Participant Rani Goberdhan remarked: “This programme broadened my perspective on cultural diversity and inclusivity, providing an invaluable educational experience.”

Shieahm David expressed newfound motivation to share her knowledge with classmates and community, saying:
“The experience enlightened me about the beliefs of various religions. I’m now motivated to promote respect for religious diversity.”
The initiative aligns with KAICIID’s mission of fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and religions. Under the leadership of Deodat Persaud, the programme not only bridged local efforts with international best practices, but also laid the groundwork for sustainable networks promoting peace, understanding, and co-operation.

Persaud highlighted the long-term vision of the initiative: “We aim to establish enduring partnerships that advance inter-religious dialogue, peace, and unity—not just in Guyana, but globally.”
The Guyana Inter-religious Harmony Initiative stands as a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration in uniting diverse communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future.