As Guyana marked its first Social Cohesion Day with a national prayer ceremony at D’Urban Park on
President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo along with their spouses writing their personal commitments to the promotion of social cohesion on white helium-filled balloons, which were later released up into the sky (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
Monday, President David Granger has charged Guyanese with building the nation through national unity as the country is at the peak of celebrating its Golden Jubilee Anniversary.
In the presence of a number of diplomats, members of the Government, religious leaders and citizens, Granger reminded that in order for Guyana to be advanced, there needed to be inclusiveness in society.
In his address, the President explained the significance of Social Cohesion Day and its impact on reforming Guyana and its productivity as part of the Independence celebrations.
He said the day would serve as an opportunity for Guyanese to thrust aside their segregation tactics and focus primarily on having an all-inclusive Guyana, which would be more conducive to the country’s growth.
“Social Cohesion Day is celebrated in appreciation of people with different backgrounds, their circumstances. This day recognises that this nation is now and always will be multireligious, multiethnic and multicultural. This nation is forever,” the President told the gathering.
He said that a nation that is socially cohesive will stand a better chance of eradicating poverty, inequality, discrimination, improving accessibility to education and promoting greater participation and inclusion at a political level.
Members of all the religious groups in Guyana were present at the event and made their contribution to the programme. There were also a number of cultural performances.
The national prayers ceremony was observed in all ten administrative regions with similar programmes.
