The Ministry of Social Cohesion is gearing up to debut the first ever Harmony Village through a partnership with several private sector businesses to promote awareness of Guyanese cultures and traditions from different walk of lives.
The village, an initiative of the ministry, is aimed at celebrating Guyana’s unique beauty and diversity, through the display of cultural traditions, artifacts, clothing, literature and food.
The event would be held on Main Street between Church and Quamina streets under the theme “Beauty and Diversity, Celebrating Guyana” on International Day of Happiness, which will be observed on March 20. The event would be hosted from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
Coordinator of Harmony Village and Technical Officer Ministry of Social Cohesion Olive Gopaul, explained to Stabroek News the event originated after several consultations and training sessions held with stakeholders.
“When you look at Guyana you see a society of diversity which makes it a unique culture and we want to enforce that message in the hosting of Harmony Village,” Gopaul said.
She pointed out that the objective of Harmony Village is to promote social cohesion among citizens and at the same time educate citizens and raise awareness on the different cultures and traditions.
Some 25 booths would be erected to house displays of different cultures. Gopaul explained they would have exhibitions from the three major religious groups, the Bahai’s and Rastafarians as well as from cultural groups. “We would also have some members of the international community living in Guyana be a part of exhibitions,” she added.
The day’s event will also feature a floating air art gallery depicting the different faces of Guyanese people. The gallery will stay mounted on the trees for a week according to the coordinator.
Gopaul said the event is first major one for the ministry which has been in existence for almost two years and it will be replicated in all ten administrative regions as it is part of the ministry’s five-year strategic plan for social cohesion.
“In other for us to have social cohesion it must start with an individual who would take it to their families and they would promote it in their communities. Once it is a part if the communities it would be a part of the country…” Gopaul emphasized. “Social cohesion would not happen overnight but if the necessary foundation is laid it would become achievable,” she added.
