PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has issued a charge to Guyanese to build a society rooted in empathy, kindness, and moderation as Guyana emerges from the holy month of Ramadan.

Addressing an Eid-ul-Fitr observance at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) on Monday, the Guyanese Head of State, while reflecting on the lessons of the holy month, emphasised the importance of not only spiritual growth but also developing a deep consciousness of individual roles in society.

“The lessons that we have learned; the consciousness that we have developed, not only the spiritual consciousness, but the consciousness of our role in society; what is expected of us to be better humans,” Dr. Ali said, urging all citizens to embody values that promote a fairer and more just society.

With empathy as a central theme, the President stressed the need for individuals to show compassion in their daily lives, particularly toward the sick, the oppressed, and those in need of support.

“How do we ensure that in our everyday life, we show empathy to each other, to the sick, to those facing injustice?” he asked before calling for a collective stance against injustice and a commitment to justice for all.

Dr. Ali underscored that the lessons of Ramadan—moderation, charity, and spirituality—should not end with the conclusion of the holy month. “As Muslims, we have to ensure that as we come out of Ramadan, the lessons of moderation, empathy, kindness, charity, spirituality, are lessons that will shape our everyday life,” he stated, reinforcing that such practices would not only improve individual lives but lead to a stronger, united society.

The President also highlighted the importance of gratitude, urging the nation to recognise the gifts of life, acknowledge the efforts of those who work for the public good, and appreciate the opportunities we have to improve our lives and society.

“The importance of acknowledging the gifts of life, the importance of acknowledging those who seek to make our lives better, the importance of recognising those efforts that ensure we have a better life, those efforts that give our children a better opportunity,” Dr. Ali remarked, emphasising government’s efforts to enhance education, improve social welfare, and empower women and pensioners.

He added: “In government, we try to develop policies that give our children better access to education, take care of the pensioners, women, enhance the productivity in our society.

Further, in a call to action for all Guyanese to reflect on their role in creating a more compassionate and equitable nation, Dr. Ali said: “If we are better humans individually, then collectively, we’ll be a better society. And if collectively we are a better society, then we’ll be a better country.”