In his Phagwah Day message to the nation, President Irfaan Ali has said that Guyanese must “commit to holding each other’s hands and moving forward together united and free,” while adding that the festival is symbolic of an “inclusive character…in which distinctions based on race, religion and class are blurred.”
He said that in this regard, “Phagwah reminds us that despite the differences, we are all part of a common human family who inhabit our planet. As such, we must continue to promote harmonious relations with each other, mindful that in doing so we will create the conditions that will continually yield a bountiful harvest of benefits to be shared by all.”
The Head of State said that nature has bestowed Guyana with an abundance of natural resources, which makes it perhaps the most endowed country in the Caribbean.
Against this background he said that government is developing those resources “for the benefit of all.”
Ali sought to assure that his government “is pursuing a path of development in which no one will be excluded or left behind.”
According to him, prudent policies are being promulgated to ensure the sustainable exploitation of the nation’s natural resources and to enhance our people’s knowledge and skills to allow them to better participate in our burgeoning economy.
“We are nation forged out of a history of struggle. We are not daunted by challenges. We are imbued with a tenacious spirit in overcoming adversity,” Ali declared; adding that “through hard work, diligence and sacrifice and with the right policies we can each carve out a secure future for ourselves and for future generations.”
He then goes on to say that “as we move forward towards a more inclusive and equitable future in this glorious land of ours, let us not allow the impediments of division, mistrust, mischief and hatred to derail our country’s rapid development.”
He further urged that as Phagwah is celebrated, with what he said would be an “outpouring of fervor and joy, love and with kindness in our hearts…may we commit to holding each other hands and moving forward together united and free towards that rewarding future which lies ahead.”
