Minister Cummings, Region One officials celebrate ‘unity in diversity’

GINA, GUYANA, Friday, May 26, 2017

The concept of unity, diversity and a green economy was packaged in a programme that showcased Region One’s rich multi-racial heritage.

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of the region  observed the country’s 51^st Independence Anniversary on Thursday evening with a wide array of cultural items and addresses by speakers from both sides of the National Assembly, as well as regional bodies. The event was held at the Mabaruma Settlement ground with hundreds in attendance.

The programme which brought together people from all walks of life was opened with prayers. This was followed by a packed cultural segment where students from Hosororo Primary, North West Secondary and other surrounding schools, as well as local churches performed songs and dances.

The key  speaker of this event, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings seized the opportunity to dwell on this year’s independence theme, ‘Unity in diversity, in a green economy.”

Minister Cummings said, “The Guyanese population is diverse. We are a people of six races, with varying religious backgrounds, political affiliations, sexual orientation, intellectual capacity, varying abilities and skill sets. We live in an era of increasing globalisation with the constant movement of people between countries and across borders which also bring other aspects of diversity to our beautiful land.”

The minister said this is based on the premise of Michael Novak’s quote which explains unity in diversity. “Michael Novak once said, and I quote ‘Unity in Diversity is the highest possible attainment of a civilisation, a testimony to the most noble possibilities of the human race. This attainment is made possible through passionate concern for choice in an atmosphere of social trust.’ – (end quote).”

The Minister highlighted to residents that there has been massive developments within the region, and urged cooperation within the Barima -Waini region to realise greater results. With cooperation, Guyana can easily be transformed into a green economy, she said.

The APNU+AFC government has the objective of transitioning Guyana to a Green Economy status in keeping with international standards and agreements, Minister Cummings noted. As Guyana transitions into a green economy, new innovative technology is  required, Dr Cummings added

Opposition Member of Parliament,  Colin Croal encouraged those present to think about the future generation, since all the developments which Guyanese work together for  will eventually benefit those to come.

“Guyana has achieved as a country, we have evolved and we have moved to ensure that as a baby grows we can now walk on our own.” Croal added,  that when Guyana became an independent nation the country’s national symbols would have indicated that ‘we are a united nation’.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Region One, Brentnol Ashley pleaded with residents  to see each other through the eyes of humanity. This, he said, will cause residents to be their brother’s keeper, allowing them to work together for the greater good of the country.

“As we celebrate under one banner, under one flag our Golden Arrowhead, let us continue to stand strong, let us continue to be the diverse people we are, but yet united, to make not only Region One, but all of Guyana a greater state,” Ashley remarked.

Region One observed this year’s Independence anniversary with a  suicide prevention rally under the theme ‘Take a minute, Change a life’. Other activities including sports are expected to be observed in observance of the 51^st Independence.

By: Delicia Haynes