Gov’t urges citizens to disregard ethnic and political differences on Social Cohesion Day
Two years after Guyana experienced a change in government, the APNU+AFC administration believes that the nation is still in need of political and ethnic cleansing.
Citizens are being urged to disregard ethnic and political differences as the government continues to push ahead with its social cohesion agenda.
On Thursday (May, 11, 2017), the country celebrated the second annual National Social Cohesion Day.
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo delivered the feature address at an event to observe SOCIAL COHESION day and used the opportunity to urge an end to the bitterness and political differences that divide the nation.
The Prime Minister believes that political and ethnic division is still prevalent as he reminisced on the division that emerged when general elections were held in Guyana in May 2015.
He believes Guyanese are still living in the aftermath of bitterness which he explained was the result of the electoral contest which some believed were rigged.
“We must be able to put behind quickly political divisions and ethnic divisions. Social cohesion, therefore, has cardinal role to play in Guyana. It is the glue that will bring us together, it is the invitation that all have a role to play on the common stage irrespective of differences and political persuasion,” Nagamootoo said.
The Prime Minister complimented President David Granger for implementing policy and establishing a Ministry of Social Cohesion which will serve to bring people together.
Nagamootoo said social cohesion must not be seen as an invitation to compromise on principles and beliefs but as an invitation to share and respect each other’s difference and diversity.
“It must be a blessing that when the world is being pulled apart by social conflicts and politics we have a society that is not in confrontation. In spite of efforts to pull us apart, citizens can celebrate today,” he added.
He reminded of President’s expression at last year’s event in which he urged that the social cohesion observance be used to foster a sense of belonging and combating exclusion.
The Prime Minister said social cohesion must not be seen as a once a year event but must become part of citizens’ everyday lives.
PM Nagamootoo was presented with the Social Cohesion Strategic Plan by Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton as citizens from different cultural groups and religious bodies entertained the packed National Cultural Center.
Dr. Norton explained that the plan will allow for a more structured and systematic approach to advancing the social cohesion agenda and outlines the direction and initiatives the Ministry will undertake over the next five years.