Social cohesion draft strategic plan to be unveiled early 2017

GINA, GUYANA, Wednesday, December 7, 2017

Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally said Guyana can expect the Ministry’s draft strategic plan to be unveiled early in 2017. The plan is expected to run from 2017 to 2030. This was disclosed during the third day of the 2017 National Budget debates, in the National Assembly.

Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally during the third day of the 2017 National Budget Debate

According to Minister Ally, the implementation of the Social Cohesion Strategic plan “will bring us one step closer to achieving an enabling environment where persons are willing to embrace our unique diversities and where we will support key actions that will replace confrontation with corporation, facilitate the reduction of inequalities and promote greater tolerance and acceptance, mutual respect and improved livelihood for all.”

With assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry was able to complete a series of sensitisation and consultation sessions countrywide. The democratic approach by the government, the Minister said, is in keeping with the government’s aim to ensure the mass of the citizens were duly consulted before the plan was completed.

According to Minister Ally, the response received from the participants was “overwhelming.” However, the Minister noted that the process was a guided one that allowed citizens to make valuable inputs that will guide the way forward.

The Minister pointed out that the stakeholders consulted, argued that the tension areas in Guyana are economic equity and opportunities, citizens’ safety and security, social inclusion and tolerance, inclusive and participatory governance and harmonious ethnic and race relations.

Minister Ally said that she is happy with the areas being addressed and is “confident that we are capturing the kind of agenda that would produce results and impact the social cohesion land scape in Guyana.”

The government Minister said her ministry is committed to creating a society characterised by mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance.

 

By: Isaiah Braithwaite

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