President Ali urges racial harmony as Guyana celebrates Phagwah

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, urged nationals to put aside their mistrust and division based on race and work together for a better Guyana.

“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,” Ali said in a message in observance of Phagwah

He said that while Phagwah is a Hindu festival, brought by the Indian indentured immigrants, it now enjoys universal appeal and that Guyanese from all cultural backgrounds join their Hindu brothers and sisters in celebrating the festival

“Phagwah is observed in Guyana with an eruption of colors and with effusive cheerfulness and merriment The sprinkling, showering, and smearing of colored powder on other’s faces and garments are symbolic of the inclusive character of this lively festival, one in which distinctions based on race, religion, and class are blurred,” Ali added

He said Phagwah reminds Guyana 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 ”

Ali said that nature has bestowed Guyana with an abundance of natural resources and that the country is perhaps the most endowed in the Caribbean

He said the government is developing the resources for the benefit of all Guyanese and that it is pursuing a path of development in which no one will be excluded or left behind

“Prudent policies are being promulgated to ensure the sustainable exploitation of our 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 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 “

President Irfaan Ali said as the country moves forward towards a more inclusive and equitable future, it is imperative that the population should not allow the impediments of division to derail our country’s rapid development

“As we celebrate Phagwah with 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,” he added

In recent years, the discovery of oil and gas has made Guyana one of the richest countries in the region with the government forecasting that the local economy will expand by at least 25 percent per year in the next three to four years

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said Guyana’s economy registered a growth of 62 percent last year and is forecast to expand by another 25 percent this year

Revenue from oil exports and royalties is expected to climb 31 percent to US$1 5 billion this year, fueled by an average US$83 per barrel price for Guyana’s export basket