Our differences and Diversity are our strength– Prime Minister Nagamootoo

GEORGETOWN, Thursday, May 11, 2017 – Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has explained that social cohesion is not an invitation to compromise on principles and beliefs. He stated that our differences and our strength and our diversity is our strength. “It is who we are.”

The Prime Minister today delivered the feature address at the 2nd Annual Social Cohesion Day which was held at the National Cultural Centre. He remarked that Social Cohesion Day started just two years ago but from its vibrancy it is catching on as an event having a national significance.

He recalled that just two years ago our country held national elections, and as previous elections held in Guyana, it left signs of division, disaffection and disunity. These seep into our daily lives, affecting our families and our children. He said that the politics of division would haunt us until the next cycle of elections.

In order to bring healing President David Granger, advised that as soon as the coalition entered into government, a Ministry of Social Cohesion should be. He complimented the President on his foresight.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo urged the packed audience to make social cohesion part and parcel of their everyday choice to live with each other, to be part and parcel of each other’s life and so that we can move our country forward as one nation, towards one destiny.

During his remarks, Minister of Social Cohesion Dr George Norton, explained that Social Cohesion day presents the opportunity for Guyanese to reflect on what the Ministry has achieved thus far since its establishment in May, 2015.

He noted that countrywide consultations were conducted with stakeholders for the development of Guyana’s first Social Cohesion plan. “Five thematic areas emerged- ethnic and political relations, social equality, economic equality, community safety and security and political participation and governance”, he said.

Explaining further, Dr Norton said “we now have a strategic plan which will allow us to have a more structured and systematic approach to advancing the social cohesion agenda. The Implementation Plan outlines the direction or the initiatives the Ministry would undertake over the period of June 2017- December 2019.”

The Five Year Strategic Plan for Promoting and enhancing Social Cohesion was delivered to the Honourable Prime Minister who was accompanied by Mrs Sita Nagamootoo.

Also attending this morning’s event were Vice – President Sydney Allicock, First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger, several Ministers of Government and Members of the Diplomatic Corp. Teachers and students were in full attendance, and cheered lustily during the diverse cultural show.

 

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