Marking one year of its existence, the Guyana Together campaign on Tuesday co-hosted an event at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston with the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) in honour of World Tourism Day 2024 under the theme, “Tourism and Peace: Embracing Peace through Diversity and Inclusion.”
The event sought to place the spotlight on the importance of decriminalising same-sex intimacy in Guyana, advocating for equality to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.
As World Tourism Day draws near, on September 27, tourism leaders and other key stakeholders shared insights on how inclusivity enhances human rights and supports economic growth.
The campaign aims to achieve greater acceptance levels among Guyanese and reduce the level of stigma and prejudice by telling stories of real people who have found acceptance and support.
THAG President Omodelle De George said the body wanted to join the minds and hearts of the Guyana Today campaign to reduce the stigma and prejudice faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We shall continue the discourse throughout our association and join with [others] to support the campaign’s message that all Guyanese should be treated with dignity and respect and that our country’s law needs to be reformed to reflect these positive Guyanese values.”
Managing Director of SASOD Joel Simpson thanked everyone who endorsed the campaign so far and pointed out that as legal change is created, more revenue and other income streams will also come on board that can diversify Guyana’s economy to the benefit of all, including LGBTQ Guyanese.
“When we approached THAG to say we would like you to partner with us in igniting this conversation, bringing it to the tourism sector, THAG said we don’t want to do just advocacy and visibility, we want a more meaningful and a deeper conversation, so this is not just about talking to the public through the media. We also want to sensitise our members; we also want to train our members to be better service providers,” Simpson shared.
Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Adrienne Galanek; Eduardo Reple, General Manager of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown; Chairperson of SASOD Mishka Puran and Vice Chair Andre Gonsalves; and Regional Chairman for RDC Region Four Daniel Seeram, were some of the figures in attendance.
