Harmony Village 2018 launched

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

The Ministry of Social Cohesion, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport hosted a Multi-Stakeholder sensitisation meeting for the preparation of its Harmony Village 2018.

The meeting focused on the plans for the hosting of the ministry’s second Harmony Village activity slated for April 12 under the “Building Partnerships: Promoting Community and National Cohesion.” The first such event was held last year in March.

Some of the objectives of this year’s event include providing citizens with information on the work of the ministry and assisting participants to better understand social cohesion as an approach to community and national development.

Coordinator of the event, Sharon Patterson reminded that social cohesion involves the nurturing of individual and community relationships. According to Patterson, the “Harmony Village is intended to be a microcosm, a representation of what the entire society is. So, it is about how we co-exist and how we work together in unity. Whether it is the business community, the cultural community, youth groups and so on.”

Technical Officer, Olive Gopaul described Social Cohesion as a process of enhancing social interaction within and across social groups in the country. She noted that this can be achieved by forging and reinforcing stronger families, communities and national values.

The vision of the ministry, Gopaul said, is to have a unified Guyana where diversities are embraced, conflicts resolved, networks and collaboration with stakeholders strengthened and to have equity promoted. She emphasised that cohesion is a process that begins with the individual.

“Several individuals make up family, families make up communities, communities make up a society and the societies coming together will make up the country. That is the foundation on which it works. So, in order for that process to work, it starts with me, it starts with you, we each have that obligation to ourselves to ensure that we are part of that process.”

With the overwhelming response the Harmony Village received in 2017, the ministry is expecting a larger turnout this year. Some 51 organisations have already signalled their interest in participating. Initially, 90 were targeted for this event, however, Gopaul said based on last years’ experience, that number is expected to rise.

The event will be held on Main Street between Church and Middle Streets, with a formal opening of the Harmony Village 09:00hrs and concluding at 19:00hrs.

 

By: Isaiah Braithwaite