− “We can choose to hate or we can choose to love”
Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, has shared, “We can choose to hate, or we can choose to love,” while addressing Sophia residents at “A Peaceful and Sustainable Guyana” seminar organised by the Junior Chamber International-Guyana (JCI).
Minister Susan Rodrigues addressing the gathering at the JCI event on Saturday
The Minister has said that while racism, gender and economic inequalities are all issues that affect serenity, these are all man-made structures that can be dissolved.
A section of those who were at the event on Saturday
“Guyanese were never, and will never be, inherently racist. It is something that was taught. It is something that we choose. We can choose to hate, or we can choose to love,” she noted. “It took decades to develop, and it will take a long time for us to get rid of, but if we continue to have these tough conversations…and we work together, then we can achieve ‘One Guyana’,” she said.
The Minister also highlighted Government’s efforts to create equity in its policies, including the housing programme, which she described as non-discriminatory in nature.
In the education sector, the Government also recently expanded its Cash Grant programme to include private school students, and has launched several scholarship initiatives to the benefit of thousands of Guyanese across all administrative regions.
Members of the Junior Chamber International-Guyana and Minister Rodrigues
Many Guyanese have also benefited from the Administration’s COVID-19 Cash Grants for all households, and from flood relief grants.
Minister Rodrigues also joined the JCI two Saturdays ago for the launch of the project in Canje, East Berbice-Corentyne. She has commended the youth organisation for their efforts in shifting inequalities and social barriers that plague our nation, and for partnering with the Government in so doing.
Following the seminar, the Minister facilitated one-on-one interactions with Sophia residents, to address their housing and water concerns.
The initiative was organised by JCI President Kestine King and other committee members.
