Guyanese rally in support of religious harmony

The importance of interfaith harmony to the development of a nation was emphasised on Thursday as scores of Guyanese from various religious groups marched through the streets of Georgetown in observance of the United Nations-designated Week of Interfaith Harmony. Leading that route March, which started at the Bank of Guyana at midday on Thursday, were acting President Samuel Hinds and heads of several religious organizations. The activity culminated two hours later at the Promenade Gardens with cultural performances from the Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Baha’i groups, among others. Public Relations Officer of the Inter-Religious Organisation, which is spearheading the activity, Juan Edghill stressed the importance of interfaith harmony to the development of the country, noting that Guyana not only boasts religious tolerance but respect.

Pointing to wars that were started on the premise of religious indifference, Edghill said interfaith dialogue is ‘very much needed.’ He reminded those in attendance of the fact that Guyanese regardless of their race or religion has to use and share the same goods and services including schools and hospitals and as such tolerance and respect for each other are paramount.

“I believe that the beauty of Guyana resides in the diversity of its religions and cultures,” Bishop Edghill expressed. “Guyana is a good model…we should sell this.”

Further, the chairman of the ethnic relations commission has noted that citizens should not let their differences be a means of division. “We are not asking everybody to surrender their beliefs and have one religion that’s not the idea…what we are simply saying is that despite of you doctrine, your dogma, practices and your observances we have a reality…it is necessary for national development”.

Meanwhile, acting President Hinds in brief remarks said Guyanese are slowly losing touch with the notion of ‘love thy neighbor’ making reference of violence taking place in society. He made specific reference to how these violent activities are reported in the media calling on Reporters to do so in a different sense-a sense of failure.

“We are all cuts from the same cloth,” the prime minister declared. He is also urging citizens to be disciples of religious harmony noting that if everyone were to make their individual contributions, Guyana would develop at a faster rate.

On October 20, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously established the World Interfaith Harmony Week through the adoption of a resolution upon an initial proposal by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Participants of the march included students from several city schools and representatives of various religious and non-governmental organisations.