Diamond Jubilee interfaith service: “Wealth alone does not define development”– Pres Ali

…urges faith, moral values as pillars of national development

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday urged Guyanese to embrace faith and moral values as central pillars of national development, arguing that nations progress not only through economic growth and political change, but through the “spiritual condition” of their people. The three main religions in Guyana embraced cultural unity in one accord when President Ali made these remarks during the Sunrise Glorification Service held in observance of Guyana’s 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee on the lawns of State House. The interfaith event brought together thousands of citizens and religious leaders to celebrate the country’s unity, cultural diversity and shared future. The President affirmed that there are important lessons Guyanese can draw from religion, highlighting that a nation’s growth should not only be measured through economic progress, but also through spiritual and moral development. “I put it to you, therefore, that nations transition not only through economic change or political struggle, but through the spiritual condition of their people. For divine faith teaches that the destiny of civilisation is deeply connected to the values they uphold and the higher purpose towards which they thrive,” he told the mammoth crowd. In his address, the President also reflected on Guyana’s position within this journey, stating that the nation has passed through encounter, colonialism and political independence. He noted that Guyanese have survived slavery, indentureship, division, hardship and long periods of economic struggle, and that today Guyana stands in a new transitional phase shaped by extraordinary wealth and rapid economic growth. However, he stressed that prosperity does not involve riches alone. “But, my dear brothers and sisters, wealth alone does not define development. A nation can become richer without becoming fairer. A country can build tall buildings while communities remain broken. An economy can expand while inequality deepens. The true challenge before Guyana is therefore not merely economic expansion but national maturity. We are now being tested.”
He also highlighted the growth embodied within the three main religions in Guyana, linking it to how Guyana itself should progress through growth, awareness and unity. “Societies develop gradually. Nations learn, mature and seek higher purpose just as individuals do. This morning, I wish to reflect upon those stages of life within our religious context and connect them to the long and continuing journey of nations, especially the journey of Guyana.” He also spoke about the different stages of life and their spiritual significance, noting that childhood should be treated with mercy, patience and tenderness, while adulthood represents a productive period marked by labour, service, family building and contribution to society. President Ali said the interfaith gathering reflected compassion, honour, respect, dignity and love among Guyanese of different faiths, noting that such values were not imposed by Government but were rooted in longstanding religious teachings that encourage compassion and unity. He further highlighted Christianity’s teachings on ageing, explaining that the elderly are viewed not as symbols of decline, but as guardians of wisdom and mentors who should guide society through faith, counsel and example. The President also extended a personal call to Guyanese to embrace faith as a guiding principle for national development. “And today, I call upon myself and the people of this beautiful nation to accept faith as a foundational pillar upon which this country will proceed forward and upward. To accept faith as a cornerstone of our development.” He reminded those gathered that the first stage was one of encounter, explaining that foreign powers did not arrive as discoverers, but instead came upon lands that already had people and civilisations. He said these encounters reshaped societies through trade, conquest and domination. President Ali also urged Guyanese on the nation’s 60th Independence Anniversary to collectively pursue values and actions that would elevate the country, strengthen national unity, enhance the spirit of the people and foster a more loving and peaceful society.