Dr. Asquith Rose heaps praise on Pres. Ali, PM, Phillips

Apr 03, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

As we all know, we are in the 21^st century and as Guyanese living at home and abroad, the time has come for us to unite and be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. The truth is, we, especially Indo -and-Afro Guyanese have been divided for far too long. This division between the two major ethnic groups began almost seven decades ago, in the 1950s and continues today despite the fact the we are neighbors, friends and relatives.

And even though many are involved in interracial marriages, yet unity seems to elude the nation. For Guyana to develop, prosper and be respected by other nations, we must do everything in our power to end the hatred. intolerance and discriminatory practices against one another and adhere to the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny or President Dr. Ali’s “One Guyana” initiative which is aimed at promoting unity, non-discrimination, tolerance and inclusivity of everyone regardless of race, status or party affiliation. We must free ourselves of vindictive, acrimonious or spiteful behavior and the bigotry and partiality that is being practice daily by many of us.

This was the message heralded by His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali to all Guyanese in celebrating Phagwah on Monday March 25, 2024. The Head of State has stated that discrimination, hatred and intolerance has no place in society and that the colorful and joyful Phagwah festivities should remind us of the deep-rooted love, affection, respect and fondness that bind together as a peace-loving people. President Dr. Ali cheerfully told the nation that the celebration of Phagwah, which was brought to Guyana (formerly British Guiana) nearly two centuries ago on May 5^th1838 by Indian indentured immigrants signifies the triumph of good over evil. He therefore called on all Guyanese to live in unity, respect and love for one another and not to judge or discriminate against anyone based on their race, social status, skin color or religion. He stressed that the spirit of inclusivity must prevail in all of us and in our blessed society which endowed with oil, gold, bauxite and minerals of all sorts and a rich cultural heritage.

His Excellency has urged the nation to reaffirm their commitment to end discrimination and hatred and instead, foster goodwill and unity with the ultimate goal of building a united and successful Guyana in which Guyanese of all ethnicities, social backgrounds, and cultures can prosper. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has implored the nation not to harbormalice, bias or vindictiveness, but to embrace inclusivity, equality, respect and diversity. The president has skillfully pointed out that the enormous significance of Phagwah extends beyond religion and Hindus but to all Guyanese of every religion in that it represents the dissolution of cultural and racial barriers into vibrant images of color, signifying unity and harmony and the pursuit of happiness for all.

The Head of State highlighted the fact that Phagwah holds immense significance in that its symbolizes the arrival of Spring, which is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, where nature bursts forth in vivacious colors, thus reflecting the adorns of Phagwah celebrations. According to President Dr. Ali, the festival re minds us that we must share with others the bounty that nature has bequeathed to us and that we must embrace our shared humanity and reaffirmed our commitment to build a united Guyana. He said Phagwah reminds us that despite our differences, we are all part of a common humanity on earth. As such, the President urged all Guyanese to continue to promote harmonious relations with each other, and create the conditions that will continually yield a bountiful harvest of benefits for everyone to partake in and celebrate our collective prosperity and diversity.

Remarks by the Honorable Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on the occasion of Phagwah were similar to those of His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, which explains why they are a genuine team that the nation is blessed to have.In a jubilant mood, PM Phillips told Guyanese far and wide that as they celebrate the joyous and colorful festival of Holi (Phagwah), they must reflect not only on the colorful images, but on its true meaning which embodies the spirit of unity, forgiveness, and renewal and most importantly, the triumph of good over evil. As is always the case, Prime Minister Phillips was honest and straightforward when he said that we have long embraced Holi as a testament to our unity and diversity and that all Guyanese, regardless of race, class and creed have been blessed to celebrate together the festivities of every religion. He called on Guyanese at home and abroad to work together to build a One Guyana where everyone can flourish and prosper.

Both President Dr Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips extend their warmest wishes to the nation’s Hindu brothers and sisters and to every Guyanese to embrace the spirit of Phagwah and work together to foster a society that is inclusive, equal, and respectable as the country advanced towards a brighter future.

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