“No Government has all the answers” – President Ali to religious leaders

…says religious community must lead way in promoting social harmony

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said that no Government has all the answers while telling the religious community that it has a vital role to play in Guyana.

He was at the time addressing a virtual meeting with more than 50 religious leaders from North America.
The Head of State said that his government’s ‘One Guyana’ vision was about promoting greater inclusion at the legislative, political and social levels.
“No Government has all the answers. It is my wish to be able to benefit from the viewpoints of all, including our political parties, trade unions, Private Sector, workers and social organisations. “One Guyana” is, therefore, a social contract of inclusion,” the Head of State was quoted by the Press and Publicity Unit within the Office of the President as saying.
Ali reiterated that the “One Guyana” vision was about creating a more equal society, guaranteeing that everyone was afforded the opportunity to lead productive and happy lives as well as reducing inequality in access to education, health, employment, income, and justice.
“One Guyana’s vision, in this regard, aims to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence and with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law,” the President said.
Important to realising the vision, he added, is building an environment of trust.
He further explained that the One Guyana Commission, which will be established, seeks to give voice and recognition to all social groups in our society regardless of political affiliation, race, religion, or gender.
During the interactive session, President Ali emphasised that while the vision encompasses the entirety of Guyana, the Diaspora is also included.
As such, he pledged to continue to engage with them not only to tap into their skills for national development but to ensure greater integration in national decision-making.
He added that under the One Guyana vision, all would benefit from Guyana’s resources and social groups including women, Indigenous peoples and young people would be empowered.
President Ali acknowledged the important role the religious community has to play in fashioning the” One Guyana” vision and said that he was ready to work with them.
“You are the custodians of morality, and you can help people to appreciate their moral and social obligations. The religious community also must lead the way in promoting social harmony, particularly through encouraging greater tolerance and understanding and through respect for our multicultural diversity,” he said.
He also told the religious leaders that he would continue to engage with them and would look to address any concerns that may arise. The leaders assured the Head of State that, as a community, they would make their contributions and stand behind the vision of “One Guyana”.
Following the discourse, an outcome document will be prepared and shared with the President to guide further discussions.