Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion takes relay festival to Berbice
─ to create and build linkages in communities, to promote practices of social cohesion throughout Guyana
─ Medals were presented to participants who copped first to third positions
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, October 2, 2018
The Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, in collaboration with the East Bank Berbice Unity Group, on Sunday hosted its first relay festival in the Ancient County. The intention was to create and build linkages in communities to promote social cohesion.
The one-day athletic event, which was held at the Edinburgh Community Centre Ground on the East Bank of Berbice, saw full participation from both students and teachers of the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMS), Berbice High School (BHS), Berbice Educational Institute (BEI), Tutorial Academy and the Canje Secondary School (CSS).
Mark Holder, member of the East Bank Berbice Unity Group, speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), explained that Edinburgh Village was selected by the committee since the community is a diverse one.
“The idea was to take the event to a community where we have various youth groups; persons of different ethnicity and religions, and most importantly a community that has a lot of young people,” Holder related.
He noted that the idea of the track and field event was proposed by group members; as it was the Group’s intention to host an event which would target and benefit a diversity of people. “We wanted the residents to be part of this extraordinary event… We wanted them to come out, socialize, and have fun with their peers and it was indeed a success” he added.
The pavilion was packed to capacity by scores of cheering and chanting residents, relatives and friends as the athletes battled to the finish line.
The relays took various formats allowing athletes to participate in the 4×100 and 4×200 meter under 14 and 16. There were also the medley and invitational competitions.
Medals were presented to participants who copped first to third positions.
There are six ethnic groups found in Guyana, those groups comprise of people who have their own culture and events which contribute significantly to Guyana. It is the aim of the Ministry of Social Cohesion to advocate for Guyanese to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper. The ministry also embraces the country’s National Motto: “One people, One Nation, One Destiny”.
Story and Images: Kellon Rover.