Describing Guyana as a “fractured country” that is plagued by social, cultural and economic violence with the growing sense of social and political mistrust amongst the populace, a civil society group has launched “Heal Guyana.”
According to a press release from the group, Heal Guyana will be an inclusive platform meant to offer positive insights and solutions towards racial unity, political impartiality, gender balance, sexual orientation inclusivity and public accountability.
“In the interest of gearing participation amongst youths particularly, the Heal Guyana platform will initially take the form of an online forum. Upon seeing the need for solutions-based and empathetic interventions within society, founder of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard, began the formation of a diverse civil society group.”
“Our beautiful Guyana has become an ugly place for too many of our people,” said Lalljee-Richard in the release.
“With issues ranging from high levels of migration, suicide and general disenchantment in our nation’s ability to deliver on promises, too many Guyanese are checking out. This has to change if we are to reach our true potential as a collective.”
An activist in areas related to ethnic relations and social justice, fellow Board Member, Alexis Stephens – a communications expert and consultant – said that “Unhealed traumas are generating the destructive types of behaviours we are seeing every day in the streets.”
According to the release, Stephens believes that people need to look beyond differences and embrace a new approach for the country to heal.
“What happened in parliament this week shows what can happen when we engage with each other destructively,” she said.
Other members of the Heal Guyana board are Lawrence Lachmansingh, Governance and Peace Practitioner, and Egbert Carter, Civil Engineer.
Those interested in learning more and participating in the work of Heal Guyana are invited to visit the group’s Facebook page, its Instagram account or its website at www.healguyana.org.