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In a true show of solidarity prompted by the Amerinidian community, religious leaders gathered at the Umana Yana last evening. Missing is Brother Musti Nezaam who left early to say evening prayers since the Muslim community is currently observing Ramadan.
– Interfaith Service held at Umana Yana
Under the still green roof of the Umana Yana, the Amerindian community has yet again shown Guyanese the meaning of true solidarity.
Last evening the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs held an Interfaith Service as they stand ready to begin a month of celebrating Amerindian heritage. Gathered together under the same roof and joined for the same purpose were religious leaders of all the major faiths practiced in Guyana.
The guests at the service were treated to prayers, readings and music from the Bahai’, Muslim, Hindu, Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist churches.
Brother Musti Nezaam spoke on the behalf of the country’s Muslim community. He read from the Koran a verse part of which says “… O mankind, behold I have created you as males and females, and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another and live in peace with each other …” He went on to point out that the Muslim faith prohibits discrimination on the basis of colour, race, religion or ethnicity. Brother Nezaam called for unity as the country works towards development and the betterment and happiness of all citizens.
Meanwhile Hindu representative Pandit Brahamarand Prashad invoked Lord Shiva’s benign blessings upon the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the village Toshaos and all Amerindian brothers and sisters.
Father John Persaud, standing for the Catholic Church, began by sharing scripture from Psalm 65. He encouraged those listening to “ask God’s forgiveness especially for those times during the past year when we have not lived in harmony with one another and lived in harmony with mother earth.”
Father John went on to pray for the people of the country and their communities, for the various tribes that they may live in harmony with their brothers and sisters and for the village leaders that they may have insight and courage to lead their people in the right way, as well as for the youth. Each of his prayers was followed by a version repeated in a different Amerindian language. Father John closed by singing with an Amerindian choir a musical rendition of the Lord’s Prayer.
Speaking for the Seventh Day Adventists was Pastor Onesi La Fleur who spoke of the need for all Guyanese to assist in the development of the Amerindian peoples. He used the parable of the Good Samaritan to exemplify his point. It is the story of a man from Jericho who was beset by robbers on the road to Jerusalem and left for dead. In the story it is said that a priest who came that way passed by on the other side of the road. Pastor La Fleur pointed out that unlike that priest, “… we must never lose our concern for our fellow man, irrespective of where he might come from …” The story goes on that a Levite, came by, looked and did not do anything. At this point Pastor LaFleur brought to the fore that “… to look and to not do anything to promote the sustainable livelihood and cultural heritage of our Amerindian brothers and sisters is not enough.” Then the parable tells of the Samaritan, who came upon the man, and bound his injuries and took care of him.
According to Pastor La Fleur, like the Samaritan, Guyanese need to realize that being involved in a tangible way, perhaps even at personal sacrifice was the way to bring comfort and help to those who need it most. He posited that this month provides the opportunity for us who may not live deep in the forests to lend a helping hand. He said that it was about Guyanese being ready and committed to help our Amerindian brothers and sisters like that Good Samaritan.
There were also a few other cultural pieces that played on the theme of religious tolerance and acceptance as well as the beauty of several of the tribal Amerindian languages. Standing with the Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai was Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran.
Today marks the first day of Amerindian Heritage Month and is only the beginning of a spate of activities designed to bring the Indigenous People of the country into the spotlight as their culture and achievements are celebrated. This afternoon the Public Launching of Amerindian Heritage Month will be held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
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