Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally on Friday told Region Three residents that racial discrimination, hostility and segregation must be confined to the past.
A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said that a consultation held at the Vreed-en-Hoop Community High School, also allowed participants the opportunity to provide their input for an action plan.
Addressing the small gathering, Ally said that the Ministry was established since President David Granger wishes to see a more cohesive and cooperative society.
This, the release said was later supported by a young man in the audience who said that it is the people who must change themselves if the ministry’s work is to bear fruits.
The gentleman, who identified himself as Mr. Sankar, in praising the efforts of the Minister and her Ministry said that the problem lies in the way Guyanese view themselves. The release said that he noted that in every other part of the world, people identify themselves as a nation without saying to what race they belong.
“We need to first stop identifying ourselves as Indian and Black and see everyone as Guyanese. We can go very far if we do this. No other part in the world do you hear people identifying themselves like that and look how they stick together, especially in the Caribbean. I am a proud Guyanese and if we see each other like that, we will get rid of racial tensions. Let us see each other as Guyanese and not as an Indian or Black man,” the man said, according to the release.
Ally said that her Ministry wants to achieve that vision but it was entirely dependent on the communities, the individuals and the citizens to make this a reality.
“Your relationships in the community are important. We want to promote useful and productive relationships within and among groups at the community level. How you relate to neighbouring communities, regardless of your ethnic background is also important. You have the clear responsibility to foster unity among diverse populations and create a vision for a common future that pivots on the acceptance of differences with a view to harvesting the strengths that are inherent in diverse societies… You can make a positive change in our country,” the release quoted the minister as saying.
Those attending the consultation were given the opportunity to share their opinions and concerns and to ask questions. Among the problems shared were the need for playgrounds and recreational facilities for the youths. Ally promised to look into this, the release added.
