The Guyana Government for the second year in succession has responded
with loyalty to the United Nations (UN) global call for countries to
host a suite of activities in early February to mark the occasion of
World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Today, members of the different religious faiths
converged at the National Cultural Centre to launch Guyana’s programme
of activities.
The launch, which was attended by President Donald
Ramotar featured prayers and reflections from the Hindu, Rastafarian,
Christian, Muslim and Baha’i faiths, singing of the national song, “O
Beautiful Guyana” and remarks on the occasion.
Guyana holds the reputation as a country highly tolerant of religious
diversity and, according to President Ramotar, is setting the precedent
for other countries where devotion to faith comes at the cost of
persecution.
The Head of State took the firm stance that Guyana
rejects the notion that “any person or any people can be stigmatised or
prosecuted because of religion,” and that the Government will
repudiate any government, organisation or person to subject people to
policies that restrict the pursuit of their faith.
Similar sentiments were expressed by United Nations
Representative Dr Beverly Barnett who ranked Guyana’s reputation a
prime example and a perfect opportunity for citizens to work together.
World Interfaith Harmony Week follows a clarion call by
King Abdullah II of Jordan on September 23, 2010 for the global
community to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at promoting virtues
such as respect for all human beings, irrespective of religion, race
and the prevention of vices, among them intolerance and racism.
President Ramotar in his keynote address reiterated the
People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration’s policy on
religion.
“Our people have absolute freedom to observe and celebrate their faith.
That freedom is not only guaranteed by our constitution but there is a
genuine respect for religious freedom on the part of the government,”
President Ramotar said.
Since 2005 the idea of an Inter-religious Television
(IRTV) channel dedicated to the broadcasting of religious programmes on
a 24 hour basis, was conceptualised under the auspices of former
President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Members of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) met on several
occasions during last year to discuss the resources necessary for the
setting up of the channel including funding and equitable distribution
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