IN his Palm Sunday address to the Christian community, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali urged Guyanese to acknowledge the subtle messages within the biblical events that are essential for human reflection.

Speaking at the Roman Catholic Church in New Amsterdam, President Ali stated that these events symbolise life and the expectations that are placed on all individuals, irrespective of their position or status.

While acknowledging that Palm Sunday signifies the commencement of ‘Holy Week,’ President Ali encouraged Guyanese to engage in reflection during this period and ponder the profound notion of servanthood.

He also added that people ought to recognise and put into practice the symbolic essence of the events that connect with the concept of servanthood.

In drawing a parallel between the donkey and the burden it carries, President Ali eloquently explained the profound act of Jesus Christ, who alleviated the weighty burdens from the shoulders of his followers.

According to him, the donkey that was used was not only to demonstrate simplicity and humility, but, in those times, it was the most significant animal that was associated with the ordinary people and everyday life.

“As human beings we have a responsibility to do everything we can do to take the burden off people, to take the load off people, and to make life easy and lighter for all. We need to do so in a simplistic way, with humility, honour, dignity, and in the interest of service, without any motives, and that is what is significant,” President Ali shared.

Furthermore, the president advised all Guyanese to take advantage of the spiritual season and reflect on whether their presence adds or removes burdens or problems in the lives of others. He also shared that while human beings are living in a society and a world filled with challenges and problems, some people are adding to the already existing problems by negatively influencing the minds of others.

President Ali reminded Guyanese that despite his trials and tribulations, the message of Jesus Christ was one of hope and positiveness, and as such, everyone should conduct themselves in a way that demonstrates hope and encourages positivity in society, rather than one that generates stress and depression.

“As we live our own lives, we must live in such a way that adds beauty to our country; it adds beauty to our world. There are simple things that we can do: offer each other a smile, say good morning, and wish someone a good day. Being kind through words is a great charity to humanity,” President Ali emphasised.

Finally, President Ali further encouraged the nation to recognise that humans live in a “fractured world with a fractured global system,” and as such, everyone should hold themselves and each other accountable for their actions throughout Holy Week and beyond.

According to him, it is an obligation as human beings to promote peace and make meaningful contributions to their own homes, places of worship, and society in order to live harmoniously in love and unity.