Diwali 2021: Guyana’s prosperity must be paired with increased caring – President Ali

…diversity has worked, will continue to work to Guyana’s advantage – Opposition

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday used the occasion of Diwali to send a message to all Guyanese that with the impending prosperity coming Guyana’s way through the oil and gas sector, comes the need for increased caring and generosity.
In his message, he extended greetings to all Guyanese, but particular to all Hindu brothers and sisters, on the occasion of Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights. According to Ali, the festival’s bright and colorful lights not only remind of the welcome return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya, but also the blessings of fortune bestowed by Lakshmi.
“Diwali is celebrated with great fervor. It is a happy and momentous time for Hindus who observe this festival through worship, the sharing of sweets, outward expressions of kindness and the cleaning, decorating and the illumination of their homes.”

According to Ali a diya, as simple as it is, is nevertheless a powerful symbol during the festival of the divine spark within everyone and which, if properly directed, can lead towards enlightenment and prosperity. In the case of Guyana, he reminded that the country is on a path of shared prosperity.
“Guyana is on an irreversible path towards a future of shared prosperity. All Guyanese will benefit from our country’s development. Prosperity, however, is not the mere accumulation of wealth but is allied to a generous and caring spirit. As is noted in the sacred text, “One may amass wealth with hundreds of hands, but one should also distribute it with thousands of hands,” Ali said in his message.
“May the sacred festival of Diwali ignite in all of us the flame of love and concern for others, and may it bless us with the spirit of generosity. May the festival’s warm glow help to promote stronger bonds of love, care and togetherness within our society and act as a springboard towards a future characterized by a common well-being!”

Unity in diversity
Meanwhile, the APNU+AFC coalition in their Diwali message that as Guyanese celebrate this auspicious occasion, “we are reminded that light always triumphs over darkness and good over evil. The APNU+AFC remains committed to ensuring unity in diversity so that our beloved country can experience real development and progress.”
This year’s celebration again, the Opposition added, will be curtailed by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, “but Diwali celebration as we know, is etched in our hearts as Guyanese. So, as we partake in this year festivities, let us do so responsibly observing all COVID-19 guidelines and be respectful towards each other.”
It added that the APNU/AFC coalition has always been and will always remain respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity and believes that “our diversity has worked and will continue to work to the country’s advantage. Guyana is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country. We see our diversity as an asset not a liability. Our coalition is proud to belong to a society of many faiths.”