President David Granger yesterday pledged $1 million to support the educational programmes which are being undertaken by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and inveighed against extremism.
The President made this pledge during his address to a gathering at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) for the CIOG’s Annual Youman Nabi Programme, according to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency. Youman Nabi is the celebration of the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad.
Granger told the audience that extremism should have no hold in Guyana; neither should it be tolerated.
Noting that education must be a top priority in the country, the President said that he will support any organisation that promotes educational activities.
“We are in a situation in Guyana today in which I have vowed that as long as I am able and capable, every Guyanese child must find a place in school….I put a lot of emphasis on education and making sure that every child is given the opportunity to go to school.
If a child doesn’t have transportation to go to school, we must provide that. If that child has no footwear, we will provide shoes. If the child has nothing to eat, we will provide meals. I am deeply impressed with the work the CIOG has been doing and, this morning, I would like to pledge a million dollars to the CIOG for the work of its three educational institutes. It is a start and…I am prepared to help anyone who is prepared to help themselves,” Granger said, according to the press release.
Granger added that as the nation prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary Guyanese must reflect on the disturbing circumstances under which Guyana became independent and advised that Guyanese must work together to