– in preparation for Social Cohesion Department’s religious conference in September

– a committee established to combat issues highlighted in Bartica

– department to implement its Diversity Education and Inclusion Workshop soon

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, February 28, 2019

As part of the Department of Social Cohesion’s 2019 Work Programme, representatives of faith-based organisations in Bartica gathered, on Wednesday, to host a sensitisation exercise to foster tolerance in the community.

Held at the Bartica Community Centre, the first of its kind, the exercise garnered huge support and resulted in the department’s decision to implement a Diversity Education and Inclusion Workshop in light of the social issues highlighted.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton told the representatives that their involvement plays a critical role in the department’s mission to promote peace, harmony and social cohesion.

“We know for a fact that regardless of the many superficial things that can divide us, religion, has always promoted the common messages of love, harmony, peace and brotherhood. It is a globally recognised fact that inclusion, respect for diversity and peaceful dialogue are essential for the survival of humanity,” Minister Norton explained.

He noted that this led to the decision to focus on strengthening its ties with the interfaith communities across Guyana.

It was highlighted that this community-based initiative is a precursor to the department’s religious conference to be hosted in September 2019, a first for the country.

Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall said the region has demonstrated tremendous religious harmony and respect over the years. “I believe some of the challenges that we face today in our community, the mosque, the church, the temples and other religious group plays a very important part in addressing those challenges.”

“I think today’s event ended on a very high note we have been able to establish a committee which will be headed by the regional coordinator for social cohesion and that community will endeavour to reflect the concerns of the community…. so that the process of social cohesion can continue in this region,” said Chairman Michael Perriera of the Christian Core Group.

Vernon Melvin, a participant, said though this is the first discussion for this initiative highlights the residents’ determination to foster tolerance and an understating for diversity. It is his hope that similar discussions will be held in the region.

Also attending the sensitisation exercise were Coordinator (ag), Natasha Singh-Lewis, Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford and Regional Social Cohesion Officer, Elizabeth Moonsammy among others.

Source: DPI