Berbice children explore faith, culture, history on ERC harmony tour

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Friday concluded the Berbice leg of its 2026 Harmony Tour, bringing 49 participants, including 46 children accompanied by parents and guardians, to religious, cultural and historical sites across New Amsterdam and surrounding communities in Region Six. Participants explore Guyana’s religious diversity and significant chapters of the country’s history and heritage. The Commission was represented by Commissioners Reverend Rodwell Porter, Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), Norris Witter and Pandit Krishn Sharma, who accompanied participants throughout the day and engaged with them at the various locations. The religious component included visits to the New Amsterdam Central Jama Masjid, Cumberland Shri Krishna Mandir, Church of the Nazarene and the historic Cumberland Eidgah, an open-air mosque.
At each site, participants were introduced to the respective religious traditions, beliefs, practices and customs. They were also briefed on appropriate courtesies before entering the places of worship and encouraged to ask questions respectfully.
For several of the children, the visits provided an opportunity to enter places of worship associated with faiths other than their own.
Addressing participants, Commissioner Reverend Rodwell Porter said meaningful relations among Guyana’s diverse communities begin with a willingness to understand one another.
“Today, these children had the opportunity to step beyond what is familiar, to enter places of worship and heritage that may be different from their own, and to listen, ask questions and learn,” Porter said.
He said such experiences could help young people move beyond simply recognising differences to developing greater understanding and respect for them, while recognising the shared humanity among Guyanese.
The tour also examined several aspects of Berbice’s historical and cultural heritage.
At the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra, participants learned about the arrival of Indian indentured immigrants in Guyana at Plantation Highbury on the Berbice River.
At Mission Chapel Congregational Church, they explored an important chapter of African heritage, while a visit to the Church of the Ascension highlighted Portuguese heritage associated with the Catholic community in New Amsterdam.
Participants also visited the New Amsterdam State House, where they were introduced to its colonial history and its subsequent role in independent Guyana.
The Region Six itinerary combined religion, immigration, national memory and culture, reflecting the broader objective of the Harmony Tour—to give young Guyanese opportunities to learn about the diverse histories and traditions that contribute to the country’s national story.
Parents, guardians and children expressed appreciation for the initiative, with several participants noting the value of experiencing places, traditions and histories they might not otherwise have encountered.
The ERC thanked the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six for supporting the tour and facilitating the safe movement of participants throughout the day. The Commission also expressed appreciation to religious leaders, heritage representatives, tour guide Paul Waldron and the institutions that welcomed the group and shared their knowledge and traditions. The Berbice leg marked the conclusion of the ERC’s 2026 Harmony Tour, following earlier engagements in Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and other activities in Demerara.