Guyana is healing says Minister Norton

– Focus on youths in 2019

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton said Guyana is healing from the divided nation it once was through the fostering of social cohesion countrywide. The Minister made the statement during his presentation at the 2019 National Budget Debate in the National Assembly today.

Through a number of cohesion-sensitisation exercises conducted countrywide, Minister Norton pointed out that over 2400 persons have benefitted. Additionally, the Ministry has also conducted 14 intensive two-day Diversity Education and Inclusion workshops that benefitted over 530 persons across the country.

“The process of unifying our people is on the way … Anyone who has not seen it is not looking for it. We will continue to undertake such initiatives using our 2019 allocation, with support from Corporate Guyana. I am extremely confident that we are on the right path to achieving a cohesive nation,” Minister Norton underscored.

He highlighted that while cohesion and harmony are not achieved overnight there have been significant strides made in that direction under the Coalition government.

The Minister noted that in 2017 and 2018, Regional Exchange Programmes were held in Region Nine and Two targeting young people in those districts. The aim according to Minister Norton, was to expose young people to the experiences of living and working together.

In 2019, a similar exercise is scheduled for Region Eight.

The year 2019 greater emphasis will be placed on social cohesion programmes and exercises in schools. This he said is to help students understand the value of being good citizens.

“Our overarching objective is to nurture a cadre of children and young people who would have positive attitudes and behaviour to differences” the Minister stated.

Isaiah Braithwaite.

Image: Keno George.

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