Harmony Village moves to Region 6
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Hundreds of patrons flocked the Harmony Village which was held at the Scottsburg Community Ground in East Berbice. This the third such event to be hosted by the Department of Social Cohesion and the first to be held outside of Region 4.
Cultural dances, songs and poems, were among some of the captivating performances that entertained those gathered for the opening ceremony of the much-anticipated occasion. The event also featured 60 booths from both the public and private sectors. The event was lauded by the residents.
Clement Edwards, who attended the event, opined that the Harmony Village will make a tremendous impact on the people of the region. “It encourages you to participate in something that is very colourful and cohesive, so I think the initiative is an excellent one and coming on board has made me feel a part very much of being a real and a true Guyanese.”
Hazel Mathews-George, also in attendance, shared similar sentiments. “I feel this is really good for our country, for our region. Persons are really learning so many things and we have a wide cross-section of things from all sections of society. Today is a grand day and persons are really learning much,” she stated.
In his address to officially open the Village, Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George said the event is a clear indication that Guyanese can work together to foster national cohesion. He also noted that citizens need to be exposed to different perspectives and ways of life, and the activity provided the means to do so.
“As we continue to exist in a world that is multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious among other differences, we must remain respectful and treat each other with kindness and acceptance,” the minister stated.
He expressed the belief that when people find common ground, they the work together to build a nation and make the world a better place. The hosting of Harmony Village, he said, is evidence that Guyana is headed in the right direction in building harmony.
“It is my genuine hope that Harmony Village Three will inspire each of you to put your best foot forward as we work on shattering all the barriers that divide us and build bridges that will unify our country and propel prosperity,” Minister Norton told those gathered.
Regional Executive Officer, Kim Stephens, making brief remarks, noted that the occasion “shows that we can embrace each other despite their differences. I urge all of us to embrace, learn and appreciate our unique differences so that we can build the beautiful region and country of ours.”
Harmony Village was first launched in March 2017. International communities in Guyana, government ministries and departments, religious communities, cultural organisations, sporting fraternities, non-governmental organisations and business communities all participated in the spectacular event. This year’s event was hosted under the theme ‘Promoting our diversities: building a unified Guyana’.
Also attending the event were Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, several Members of Parliament and other government officials.
Images: Giovanni Gajie