As the 2025 edition of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference commenced at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, President Dr Irfaan Ali made a noteworthy statement of intent, one that signals an even more-inclusive approach to national development. Addressing Indigenous leaders from across Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, the President reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to supporting religious institutions, recognising their central role in community life.
This declaration comes at a time when Guyana is undergoing rapid economic transformation. It is both timely and strategic. Faith-based organisations, churches, temples, mosques, and others, have long served as the bedrock of many communities. They do not merely offer spiritual guidance, but also provide vital social services, moral direction, and a sense of belonging. In many Indigenous and rural areas, these institutions fill critical gaps in education, social care, and community support.
The President’s pledge to facilitate the direct transfer of resources to religious institutions marks a shift in the Government’s development approach. It acknowledges the essential contributions of these bodies to the nation’s social fabric and their capacity to support national goals, particularly the Administration’s “One Guyana” vision. If implemented with fairness and accountability, this could be a meaningful expansion of the country’s development toolkit.
Importantly, the Head of State made it clear that this support is not conditional on religious affiliation or denomination. “The country must support our churches, our temples, and our mosques,” he said, emphasising the role of all religious groups in building a socially-cohesive society. This approach, grounded in respect for pluralism, is consistent with Guyana’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic identity.
The move is also significant in the context of Indigenous development, the core focus of the NTC. In hinterland and Indigenous communities, religious institutions often serve not only as centres of worship but also as community hubs – providing schooling, meals, counselling, and disaster relief. Strengthening these institutions, therefore, strengthens the wider social ecosystem in these regions.
This initiative presents an opportunity to strengthen Guyana’s longstanding commitment to religious freedom and cohesion. To ensure its success, it is essential that the implementation process is guided by transparent criteria, inclusive engagement, and robust oversight. Such measures will help maintain the nation’s secular principles while nurturing equitable support for religious organisations across all faiths and communities.
By implementing this initiative with careful consideration and inclusive practices, Guyana can continue to serve as a model of interfaith harmony and cohesion, ensuring that all religious communities feel valued and supported in their contributions to national development.
At the same time, this policy direction presents an opportunity to formalise partnerships between the State and religious groups in areas such as education, health care, youth services, and poverty alleviation. Many faith-based organisations are already engaged in this work with limited resources. Strategic support from the Government could help scale these efforts and increase their impact, particularly in underserved communities.
President Ali’s remarks also offer a broader message about the kind of development Guyana aspires to, one that is not only measured in GDP growth or infrastructure projects, but also in the strength of its communities, the well-being of its citizens, and the moral compass that guides national progress.
As the NTC Conference continues, the inclusion of religious institutions in national development planning should not be dismissed as a symbolic gesture. It is a recognition that the country’s prosperity must be built on more than material wealth. Social stability, community trust, and shared values are just as essential and religious organisations are uniquely positioned to contribute on all fronts.
The Administration’s commitment is welcome.
