Georgetown: Guyana will observe a Day of Social Cohesion on May 11. Social Cohesion Day 2016 forms part of the menu of activities being held in observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. However, the date is very symbolic.It was on May 11, 2015 that the people of Guyana voted the APNU+AFC Coalition into Government, thereby effectively removing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) out of office after 23 years.
Social Cohesion Day, the first of its kind in Guyana, will kick-off with an inter-religious prayer ceremony, and will culminate with a musical stage performance at the National Cultural Centre.
Social Cohesion Minister, Amna Ally, made the announcement on Monday during a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency. It was explained that the event would capture significant aspects of Guyana’s history, such as colonialism, the struggle for Independence, and the post-Independence period.
Minister Ally also used the opportunity to update the press on the strides made by the Social Cohesion Ministry and to discuss plans in the pipeline. According to her, the strategic plan is expected to be completed within the next five months. In the interim, however, the Ministry has a document, which guides its work.
In January, the Social Cohesion Ministry collaborated with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to provide technical support for micro-enterprise development in Region Nine. Minister Ally noted that economic inclusion is an integral aspect of social cohesion.
At the same time, the Ministry continues to engage citizens from all sections of society in discussions on how social cohesion can be fostered and promoted in Guyana. So far, discussions have been held with youth at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, with representatives from the Muslim and Christian communities, and with residents in various areas.
“I recognize that the work of the Ministry would be greatly enhanced if we are able to bring small groups of key stakeholders together for us to have conversations…the Ministry is attempting to establish core groups after these conversations, so that stakeholders can take ownership and responsibility for keeping their respective groups engaged and active in the social cohesion process with us,” Minister Ally said.
The Ministry is now pushing to have persons in the media and entertainment fraternities involved in an effort to foster social cohesion. Additionally, a committee comprising senior officials from the ministries of Education, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Social Protection, Communities, and the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport has been established with the aim of assisting with policy direction. This committee is chaired by Dr. Michael Scott from the University of Guyana.
“People want social cohesion in Guyana. They are asking questions, and they want to know how they can come on board…Guyanese want to see a unified country,” Minister Ally said.
The minister also took the opportunity to debunk claims made by the political Opposition that the Government’s “Boats, Buses and Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books” (‘Five Bs’) programme, which her Ministry was integrally involved in coordinating, was only benefiting children of Coalition party supporters, a claim she dismissed as misguided.
Minister Ally made it clear that wherever shoes, bicycles or other items were distributed, her only input has been to request a list of names of the recipients from the Ministry of Education; and in the case of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), the St. Ignatius Primary School.
“The Ministry is cognisant of its role in working towards improving the well-being of all its members, fighting exclusion and marginalisation, creating a sense of belonging, promoting trust, and offering all Guyanese opportunities for upward mobility,” Minister Ally said.
She said that while persons are reportedly being encouraged at various “bottom house” meetings to reject the initiative, parents across the country see the merit of the programme, and it has been successfully rolled out and welcomed in all of the regions.
To date, the Ministry has provided six boats, nine buses, and more than 300 bicycles.
“If we are able to assist families by providing the means for children to get to school, whether it is by boat, bus or bicycle, we would be making a tangible contribution to the children’s education and, by extension, the development of Guyana,” the minister said.
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