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Govt to work with Private Sector to P develop anticrime plan – President
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NEWS 3 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Govt to work with Private Sector to develop anti-crime plan – President
Acknowledging that a safe and secure environment is needed in order for businesses to flourish, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that he will be working closely with the Private Sector in developing an anti-crime strategy.
“We recognise the need to improve public security. We’ve begun to strengthen the capacity of the Guyana Police Force to combat crime and improving the capacity of the Guyana Revenue Authority to arrest contraband smuggling,” the Head of State announced during his keynote address to the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) during its Annual General Meeting.
“My Government will work with the Private Sector in developing an anti-crime plan aimed to better protect the business community and citizens,” President Ali said as he outlined his Government’s business development strategy.
Apart from crime, he noted that his Government is committed to upholding democratic principles since businesses tend to strive in an environment of economic freedom.
“Democracy is vitally important to national development and to providing comfort to investors that there is respect for the rule of law and thus their investment will not be subjected to capricious actions,” he explained.
According to the Guyanese leader, the absence of democracy creates an unfair playing field,
President Dr Irfaan Ali
predatory business practices and corruption.
Another tenet of the business strategy, he explained, is improving the ease of doing business in Guyana. This, he noted, will be done through an electronic single window for trade which will “reduce time and cost”, simplify trade procedures and “eliminate duplication and redundancy”.
“Instead of an importer, for example, having to visit six agencies for permits and approvals, all the documentation will be submitted at a single window and this will then be shared with the various agencies,” President Ali explained.
He also stressed the need for businesses to operate in a competitive environment, making reference to the PPP/C Government’s prompt liberalisation of the telecommunications sector – which immediately triggered a multitude of benefits to consumers from the country’s major telecoms providers.
President Ali said there will be a national quality infrastructure project that will bolster the ability of local businesses to engage in global trade and ultimately increase competitiveness.
Additionally, he said the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is working on an electronic transaction bill that will provide the facilitation of secure electronic communications and transactions.
The Head of State also touted a national entrepreneurship and innovation council to reform the culture of entrepreneurship, particularly to help existing entrepreneurs and to create new ones.
On the matter of trade policy, the President explained that his Government will work to unlock new markets for traditional exports like rice, sugar, bauxite and timber; as well as seek new opportunities for new products, services, and industries.
Moving on, President Ali underscored the importance of the small business sector to the economy, noting that they are “indispensable” and that they represent the “arms and legs of the economy”.
He recognised that the small business sector has taken a serious hit amid the COVID-19 pandemic and it is against this backdrop that the President noted that they should be supported by Government.
Consequently, President Ali announced that there will be a small business amendment bill that will expand the range of procurement opportunities for micro-enterprises; to ensure that they benefit more from Government procurement.
Additionally, he noted that the grants offered by the Small Business Bureau have increased by 100 per cent since the new PPP/C Administration assumed office. In the same breath, President Ali said the Government will continue to promote access to financing for small businesses.
Moreover, the Head of State called into focus the need for consumer protection and noted that his Administration is working on a number of regulations aimed at protecting consumers. He made reference to the Hire Purchase Bill which deals with the procurement of items on credit.
President Ali lamented that the current legislation “provides that once a consumer defaults on a single payment, the owner is entitled to forfeit all the previous payments and to repossess the item. This can hardly be fair to the consumer”.
Another important aspect, he explained, is the country’s infrastructure. In this regard, President Ali highlighted the progress made by his new Administration in advancing several major projects – particularly those that will improve the transportation network.
The need for cheaper and more reliable energy is another issue, President Ali noted, that will have to be addressed urgently as the Government works to create an environment that is attractive to investors.
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Diwali: Guyanese festival
Tonight, will be the darkest and longest of the year. To us in Guyana, who are near the equator, the lengthening is not as significant at that for countries nearer the North Pole. In India, for instance, from where almost half of our population originated, at this time early man would have reaped his crops and prepared for winter. Lights were lit to celebrate the harvests and also to mark the gradual lengthening of the days and the return of light.
This was the birth of Diwali, that joyous festival in which God in the female form of “Mother Lakshmi”, the giver of wealth and light, is worshipped. Food was wealth to early man and one can understand why she is worshipped at this time. Hindus are very clear about the need for man to acquire wealth: it is his duty, for without wealth man cannot take care of any of his mortal obligations. But even more important that acquiring wealth, is its distribution for the upliftment of society. The Hindu is exhorted to “earn with a hundred hands; give with a thousand”.
The first prayer uttered by the Hindu upon awakening, while looking at his open palms, is “Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) is on the tip of my fingers; Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) is in the middle and Govinda (The God of Protection) is at its base.” Man then, is responsible for earning wealth but to do so he must acquire knowledge. Armed with wealth and knowledge he will be able to protect him/herself, family, community and country.
This acquiring of knowledge is one of the “lights” that Divali reminds us must be lit. In Guyana today, there is much ignorance abounding and because of this, society suffers. The knowledge of how we can make our society more harmonious is available; many countries also have similar challenges but worked successfully to address them. Is there a Guyanese who really does not have the “information” that the leaders of all the groups of Guyana must cooperate for the development of our country? But information must be validated through action to become “knowledge”: and until we all choose leaders who are prepared to work together for the common good, we are all ensuring our dark nights will only lengthen.
Diwali also suggests another message - for the individual. When the nights were getting longer, early man would have seen that the individual lights did not make a difference: but together the sun could be evoked. Let there be light! And this is what we also have to do in Guyana. In addition to selecting leaders who have the interests of all the people at heart, individuals also have to light their own lights to eliminate whatever darkness that confronts them. Is it a problem with a neighbour? A co-worker? Then do what it takes to resolve the problem - that will be “lighting a light”.
The actual festival of Diwali has also come down to us with other practices that are of immense value to creating a more cohesive society: the process is as important as the content. There is a complete and most thorough cleaning of the home by all members of the Hindu family to welcome Mother Lakshmi into that home. There is also the cooking of sweetmeats and creating of diyas (fast disappearing) which all help to bring the family closer together. The sharing of the sweetmeats with neighbours and friends spreads that closeness far and wide in the community.
In multi-ethnic and multi-religious Guyana, it is a welcome development that other groups than Hindus are participating in this festival of Divali, which can play such a positive role in nation building. The Hindus themselves have increasingly begun to take the festival into the public space where the rest of the country can be engaged. The Diwali Motorcade, which unfortunately had to be cancelled this year due to Covid-19- but rather take on a virtual form - has become a feature in Guyana’s cultural heritage, and has been joined by the “National Diya” for the past six years.
Shub Diwali to all!
Employees of Guyana Times, Television Guyana (Ch 28) and Radio Guyana - 89.5 share a photo on Friday during the entities’ annual Diwali celebrations. Inset: Administrative staff pose near the Rangoli display
Chairman of Manniram Prashad MP Insurance Brokers and Consultants along with staff share a photo during the company’s Diwali observance
Be the light you wish to see in the world
Dear Editor,
As we celebrate the auspicious occasion of Diwali - the festival of light that overcomes darkness, and where love conquers all - we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation – Guyana, take this opportunity to extend heartfelt Diwali greetings to our President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, and family; Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, Ministers within the Government, members of the Opposition, and the nation of Guyana; especially our Hindu brothers and sisters.
With the prevailing COVID-19 among us, humanity is on its knees, and hence we look forward to any occasion that would help to uplift our steadfastness and hope. The wisdom and understanding of Shree Ram’s exile and his return to his home and mother have lived through the centuries, and are forever engraved in our hearts and minds.
The meaning of this occasion is not only related to one faith, but is also symbolically important to all religions. The message of the augmentation of good, the elimination of evil, and the outpouring of human kindness and love for the earth, the universe, and humanity is prevalent in all religions. All of these facets are aimed at the common concept of a one world system in which all human beings are one.
On this occasion of Diwali, just like the diyas that bring light to our homes, let us take up the mantra of selfless service to be the light we wish to see in the world. Let us strive not only to light the lamps outside, but to be the light ourselves.
May the message of this occasion inspire us to personal introspection and restoration as we immerse our souls in the Super Soul (Universal Creator). Let us become the Divine Light that illuminates this world through the goodness of our deeds and the selflessness of our acts, in order to cultivate an inextinguishable light within us and the universe.
Shubh Diwali.
You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is here for the long haul ‘Fairy’ traffic lights on
Dear Editor, I noticed that Ms Ms Thomas has used caustic, and sometimes draIt was stated on a few occasions before that Dr Bynoe’s startling point: “The Vice President must be reminded East Coast Demerara Audreyanna Thomas tried matic, language to make her qualifications were more ap- that it was the same GECOM to deliver a lesson on eth- wobbly points. She says that propriate to a non-oil/gas sec- staff (‘criminals’) who man- Dear Editor, immobile to facilitate only the ics to Vice President (VP) Dr the VP threatened to fire Dr. tor. It is being considered that aged the Local Government Recently, additional traf- westbound traffic. Bharrat Jagdeo. She has ex- Mark Bynoe, Head of the Dr Vincent Adams, who was Elections (LGE) in November fic lights were installed on the By what logic should this pressed dismay at the way in Department of Energy, and Head of the Department of of 2018 and his party was ex- East Coast of Demerara. Lights ordeal be allowed to continue? which Dr Jagdeo, at a press “indicating the possibility of Environment, be engaged in tremely happy with the results are now at Sheriff Street, Bel The purpose of traffic lights is conference, addressed the giving his [Dr Bynoe’s] job the oil and gas sector where of the elections”. That LGE Air, Turkeyen, Ogle, Better to regulate the flow of traffic, question of Dr Mark Bynoe’s to Dr. Vincent Adams.” Ms. his expertise in wholly rele- election had set up carefully Hope, Le Ressouvenir, LBI, but in this case it served to imjob status, and at Dr Jagdeo’s Thomas contends that “such vant. the modus operandi on how BV, Triumph, Mon Repos and pede. The architect of this abreference to GECOM’s staff as remarks were inappropri- The employment status of and to what extent GECOM Lusignan. surdity should be disciplined “criminals.” ate and disrespectful to Dr. both Dr Bynoe and Dr Adams rogue staff, in collusion with The inconvenience this im- for ineptitude, which has
Pushing beyond the eth- Bynoe.” has been in the public do- others, would need to rig the poses on motorists is disgust- caused unnecessary discomfort ical goalpost, Ms Thomas in- For clarity, Dr Bynoe was main. Seeking to clarify them 2020 General Elections to ing and infuriating. To com- to motorists. It would be advissinuates that Dr Bharrat never threatened. It was just in a transparent way is not give the incumbent regime pound the aggravation, the able that these lights be recaliJagdeo should resign as Vice a question of matching his necessarily inappropriate. a victory. The massive focus lights do not operate in tan- brated to eliminate the current President and proceed to be- skills set with the proper job I believe that referring to was never on LGE, but on the dem; that is to say: east-to-west inconvenience. come a farmer! What an as- description. some elements of the GECOM General Elections that would and north-to-south simultane- Also, minor heed is being tonishing comment! I won- The other issue relates Secretariat staff as ‘criminals’ elect the next government of ously, but rather one at a time, paid to the pedestrian crossder what she thinks of David to the VP’s reference to the by the VP was unfortunate the emerging oil-mixed econ- to the frustration of motorists. ings, as pedestrians are often Granger and Joseph Harmon staff at the Guyana Elections from a strictly legalistic view- omy. I wonder if Ms. Thomas This dilemma is also evident seen flouncing and not adheras political leaders! Should Commission (GECOM) as point. However, from anoth- ever condemned the rigging of on the Railway Embankment. ing to the signs. It is even conthey ever be in politics? “criminals”. In Ms Thomas’s er perspective, such terms as the 2020 elections? Or will she I have travelled widely, and sidered dangerous to use some
Ms Thomas sarcastical- view, such a label could ap- riggers and fraudsters have wait until the court makes a have never encountered such of these pedestrian crossings, ly pleads, “the ‘poor’ Vice ply only after a conviction is been used interchangeably. ruling? lack of vision. hence measures should be iniPresident is probably tired of secured. To a certain extent, But this is not the time to get Ms Thomas must also On November 09, at about tiated to alleviate the danger.doing public service.” Just to note: because Ms. Thomas is not a behavioural scientist, her statement is flimsy. Had she been a behavioural scientist, she would have been able to admonish Joseph Harmon and other PNCR operatives for publicly impugning the character of Jamaica’s former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and CARICOM I agree with Ms. Thomas. If politicians in particular are not holders of government offices, they can probably say anything and get away with it; but when they hold public office, the norms and rules that govern their operations are different, and therefore care must be taken in the proper use of language and the need to safeguard confiengaged in semantics. The attempt to steal an election by few GECOM staff and others was committed in the clear view of the world. Public opinion does not need a court to confirm what people saw. If, for example, someone were to choke and rob me of my purse, do I necessarily have to wait upon a formal conviction to call him a thief or know that Dr Jagdeo is not only smart, but is also one of the most popular politicians in Guyana (confirmed by Dr Vishnu Bisram’s poll). His standing in the international community is lofty. I know that Dr Jagdeo is not perfect, but perfection should never become the enemy of the good. Dr Bisram’s polls indicate that the VP is full of en12:30pm, I was driving west on the Railway Embankment, and had to stop at the traffic lights at Bel Air. There was a build-up of traffic, and I had to wait until all the lights changed twice before proceeding. I observed there was a long line of eastbound traffic from Bel Air to Sheriff Street, and that line had to remain I spoke with the Attorney General on this matter, and he expressed agreement with the content of this missive. He even authorised me to indicate his disapproval of this imposition, which he considers a retrogressive step. Sincerely, Maurice Rajkumar Chair Dr Ralph Gonsalves, as well as denigrating Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. dential matters. The practical problem is: how does anyone expect the criminal? However, I do agree that while I can make such a comment, the VP and other ergy, is a visionary, and has vast experience, which combine to boost Guyana’s devel- Message and teaching Ethical standards are not only for Dr Jagdeo and the PPPC, but also for all politiVP to respond when a reporter inquired into the employment status of Dr Bynoe? Should he Government officials must be held to a higher standard in the use of rhetoric. opment strategy. Yours truly, of humanity finding Magic wand in 100 days cians and civic leaders. tell the truth, or suppress it? Ms Thomas makes a Dr Tara Singh Dear Editor, in ourselves. It is a celebra the good in ourselves The Sanatan Vaidic tion of light over darkness;
Dear Editor, rich not only themselves, but question: They did nothing, cleaning the garbage and Dharma Pandits’ Sabha knowledge over ignorance;
The barefaced and bra- their families and friends. except trying every illegality the criminality which the Region Three extends Shubh and, ultimately, the attainzen display by the APNU of The humongous salary in- to remain in power! During Coalition bequeathed to the Diwali to the entire nation. ment of the Light Divine ever yet another attempt to not creases, the increasing taxes, that time, they used the pan- Guyanese nation! We wish that everyone latent within. Little earthonly fool its supporters, but and the removal of subsidies demic to enrich themselves Moreover, instead of host- would experience, and con- en lamps (diyas), symbolto make yet another attempt to pensioners and grants to and cronies. This brings to ing shows and sharing free tribute to, the positive and ic of our finite Jeeva (body, to make our country ungov- students are just a few. mind the Ocean View fias- tickets to bribe the people, spiritually uplifting spirit of mind, and tendencies), are ernable, will most certainly This country owes an co, which saw $1.6 billion this caring Government gave Diwali. lit in this celebration from a add to its already badly ema- eternal debt to Dr Jagdeo, being squandered to pro- every household $25,000 Diwali captures and cel- larger diya, symbolic of the ciated public image which its who not only exposed them, duce a ‘shell’, not a hospital. which brought smiles to ebrates the exuberances of Supreme Light (God). The members worked at labori- but charted the course to re- Whilst trying madly to hold those who are affected by life in all aspects. From tra- symbology here is as divineously to destroy for five long move them from office. on to power, they were at the the virus, and the Coalition- ditional foods, dance, music, ly deep as it is philosophimonths after the PPP/C had During their tenure, they same time thieving left, right induced depressive state of folklore and rituals to the cal. It demonstrates the rewon the 2020 Elections. ensured that they emptied and centre. Fortunately, the the economy. I am sure those discovery of the Divine Self lationship between creation
This time, they want the Treasury and depleted all PPP/C has now turned this who were protesting the PPP/ in us; the purpose and jour- and creator — a constant deGuyanese to believe that af- the reserves, including gold around into the facility which C’s 100 days in office gleeful- ney of life, and the ultimate pendence of creation on the ter 100 days in office, the and foreign exchange. And as it ought to be to fight this ly received their monies as goal are all netted in the creator for sustenance. PPP/C Government has done if that were not enough, they dreaded disease. Imagine, well. Again, I will not repeat beauty of the festival. Diwali In the final analysis, nothing for Guyanese. They raked up an overdraft of over the Coalition even used our the many benefits and imme- is ‘Pancha Parva’, or a five- Diwali provides the platform even had the audacity to $90 billion. In totality, the misery to steal. If the PPP/C diate reliefs which the 2020 day celebration, beginning to remind all of our inner make that blatantly deceit- Coalition squandered nearly was in Government just af- Budget brought to Guyanese, two days prior to Deepavali light source, and the need ful statement in their pro- $2 trillion in five years, with ter the March 2nd Elections, our lives are already improv- and concluding two days af- to consciously connect from test. However, they must nothing to show except clo- they would have stemmed ing due to these measures, ter. Different sections of the within, so that we may bring now realise that no one be- sure of the estates, the dis- the increase in deaths and and soon the closed sugar Hindu population observe forth, through thoughts and lieves them anymore. The as- missal of tens of thousands infections we are now seeing. factories will once again be either all five of the days, or actions, the good in us. ininity which pervades the of workers, skyrocketing cor- Now the Coalition are throw- belching smoke as GuySuCo only a few. Once again, the Sabha ‘intelligentsia’ of the PNC- ruption in an unprecedented ing their filth at the PPP/C progresses to prosperity. What is central, howev- wishes all a blessed and hapdominated APNU is beyond scale, and the pauperisation Government. I firmly believe the er, in the observance of all py Diwali. anyone’s comprehension of the majority of Guyanese. Since assuming office in President when he em- these days of light celebrawhen they said, “We have seen the extent of the PPP’s failure to govern our beautiful country”. Moreover, to add insult to injury, they held this nation hostage for 5 months, illegally trying to continue August, the Government has done wonders. Apart from doing a lot more tests, the Government has allocated phatically said, “Guyanese can look forward to a better life under the PPP/C Administration. Despite tion, pomp and festivity is the message and teaching of humanity finding the good Yours sincerely, Pt Charranlall Avishkar Nandalall
Are these people from the devastating this nation. The $150 million to our frontline the monumental challenges real world? What the PPP/C ills they have foisted on this health workers; and venti- which we faced, we have deGovernment has done in nation are too numerous to lators, oxygen concentrators fied expectations and deliv100 days would have taken mention. Volumes have al- and other equipment nec- ered progress.” APNU 100 years to achieve. ready been written about the essary for treating patients Let the Opposition be a in fact, in just five years, they destruction and the corrup- have been received and are meaningful one, which can have destroyed everything tion of the Coalition, so I will being operationalised. The work towards progress and good in our beautiful coun- not venture into a long dis- Government has retrofit- prosperity of all Guyanese, try. Everything which the sertation. ted the Infectious Diseases instead of continuing its PPP/C had worked for was I was aghast when I saw Hospital and improved the journey of destructive polialmost dissipated. In fact, in that the Coalition was blam- capacity of regional hospitals tics. Stop trying to fool your just 100 days, APNU had be- ing the PPP/C for the increase to treat coronavirus patients. supporters again and again. gun to reverse the progress in COVID-19 deaths. What In addition, Guyana is in line that the PPP had made, and had they done from January to receive the COVID-19 vac- Yours sincerely, began an insane lust to en- to August? I will answer that cine. The Government is now Haseef Yusuf
6SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Be proud of Guyana, where people of different backgrounds, beliefs embody fabric of our national traditions – President Ali on Diwali
Iextend joyous greetings spair. May the festival reto all Guyanese, but es- new and strengthen our pecially to our Hindu belief that we can and will brothers and sisters. overcome our present chal-
Diwali is one of the most lenges! important festivals in the It is my wish at this Hindu calendar. The festi- time that the radiance of val has been observed since the myriad lamps of Diwali ancient times. It is an occa- would guide us along the sion for families and friends path of enlightenment, to come together to light di- truth and responsibility. yas, share gifts, spread joy, Let us use this year’s obserand reflect on the profound vances to reflect on our acreligious meaning of the fes- tions as we work together to tival. build a nation of peace, uni-
The ageless message President Dr Irfaan Ali ty and prosperity. of Diwali is that light will and we are working assidu- I encourage everyone to overcome darkness, knowl- ously to resolve the present be proud of a Guyana where edge will override igno- health crisis. people of different backrance, and hope will prevail The COVID-19 pandem- grounds and beliefs embody over despair. Diwali instills ic has meant that much of the fabric of our national in us the confidence that, the usual festivities asso- traditions. with hope and unity, we can ciated with this sacred day May the festival of lights overcome any challenge. will have to be moderated usher in happiness, joy and
This year has been a this year. I urge that, even love, and may it strengthen challenging one for our na- in the midst of the present our families and the bonds tion. But we have overcome health crisis, we do not suc- which unite us as a people! one of our foremost hurdles, cumb to despondency or de- Happy Diwali to all Guyana!
ERC urges all Guyanese to embrace significance of Deepavali
The Ethnic Relations together to remove the dark during the observances. Commission (ERC) ex- veil of division. The traditional nationtends Deepavali greet- The traditional motor- al observance, through its ings to all Guyanese, espe- cades and their inherent significance, is replete with cially the Hindu community, beauty, along with that of messages of togetherness. and reminds all that the fes- thousands of flickering diyas, The Commission therefore tival of light serves as a pro- are much anticipated every urges that Guyanese endeavfound source of inspiration year. However, the impact our to have that particular for the eventual triumph of of the ongoing COVID-19 influence built upon for the light over darkness. pandemic has prevented the promotion of harmony, unity
Other important lessons spectacular motorcades from and good relations among all of Deepavali provide guid- being held. The ERC is con- in this multi-faceted society. ance for all, as Guyanese fident that despite those un- The ERC believes that continue to work assiduous- avoidable challenges, the those messages bode well ly toward the national goal true spirt of Deepavali will for the advancement of the of strengthening the bonds of not be deterred. Guyanese nation, its people friendship. It is through this In the midst of the pan- and humanity at large. that national harmony can demic, the ERC cautions ev- Shubh Deepavali to all, be achieved, so that our peo- eryone to exercise utmost from the Ethnic Relations ple can confront challenges care, and that all stay safe Commission!
Let the diyas of the mind illuminate wisdom in all communities - GAWU
Diwali, the festival of ed society in which there ex- and spectacular motorcade lights, is yet anoth- ists understanding, tolerance, floats which attract thouer manifestation of love, and cordiality. Festivals sands of Guyanese from all the rich culture of Guyana. like Diwali serve to rekindle walks of life. While many Diwali, chracterised by lit hopes and expectations, and Guyanese will certainly miss diyas beautifully adorning influence society in a positive the event, we urge approprihomes and temples, reminds direction. ate and safe celebrations, and us of the powerful message This year’s Diwali carries for our people to abide by the of the occasion. The festival even more significance, as COVID-19 protocols. symbolises the spiritual victo- our country and, indeed, the Our brief message, therery of light over darkness, good world are caught in the throes fore, is for the celebrants and over evil, and knowledge over of the COVID-19 pandem- leaders alike let the diyas of ignorance. ic. As we recognise the mas- the mind illuminate wisdom
Now a nationally-em- sive toll the pandemic has ex- in all communities, in placbraced public holiday, Diwali tracted, we are imbued by the es of work and worship, in captures the attention — even message of Diwali. We are re- Government and Parliament, participation — of thousands minded that even the darkest to lighten the poor man’s burof Guyanese citizens, includ- nights have an end, and man- dens through righteous poliing non-Hindus. The festi- kind will once again succeed cies and programmes. val threatens darkness in all in this latest travail. This is the least, but the its forms, and influences the Absent from this year’s most-sought-after that the emergence of an illuminat- Diwali will be the colourful Union can hope for. Significance of Deepavali pertinent for upliftment of all mankind — PPP
As our nation cele- upliftment of all mankind The influence of brates the festival through its universal mes- Deepavali in forging betof Deepavali, the sage of light over darkness, ter relationships has grown People’s Progressive Party knowledge over ignorance, tremendously over the (PPP) takes this opportuni- and good over evil. years. Our Party is, howty to extend greetings to all The light of the diyas ever, cognizant of the onGuyanese, especially the which will shine through- going impact of COVID-19, Hindu community. out our country symbolises with the unavoidable cur-
The significance of a sense of renewal. tailing of traditional naDeepavali, known as the Our Party urges that tional events associated “Festival of Lights”, is per- this message be heeded, with Deepavali, including tinent for the so that darkness, igno- the various motorcades, rance, and hatred can be and which have been effecrepelled in the interest of tive in bringing our people all humanity, knowing that together. The PPP is conknowledge will defeat ig- fident that, despite these norance and compassion challenges, the light of the will triumph over despair. diyas will continue to shine Deepavali offers an oppor- into our hearts, comforting tune reminder for all to do and guiding us during this their part to achieve that period. victory. Shubh Deepavali to all!
Bright lights of Diwali are considered to signify illuminatory power of knowledge – IAC
The Indian Action The IAC recognises that, es the seriousness of the Committee (IAC) ex- in Guyana, the Goddess COVID-19 pandemic, which tends Diwali greetings Lakshmi Maataa, or Maha has infected over 4600 citto all Guyanese, especially Lakshmi, is venerated on the izens, killing almost 140 persons who are adherents day of Diwali, her devotees persons, and calls upon all of Sanatana Dharma, on ardently believing that their Guyanese to maintain safety the occasion of the now glob- veneration of her would re- protocols during the Festival ally-recognised festival of sult in wealth and prosperity of Diwali. Deepavali or Diwali, which being bestowed upon them in The IAC has observed is derived from the Sanskrit the future. that, over the years, lack of language and means “a row The bright lights of Diwali care in the lighting and hanof lights”, Diwali falls on the are believed, by Hindus, to dling of diyas has led to the new moon night of the month guide and welcome Lakshmi destruction of homes by fire, of Kartika, and is celebrated Maataa into their homes, and the organization urges over a period of five days in where she can bestow her all persons involved in this India. blessings on them and their activity to be extremely care-
Diwali is associated with families, and also to guide ful in order to prevent such several mythological stories, and welcome Lord Rama tragedies that mar the enone of them dealing with the back to Ayodhya. joyment of the Festival of belief of Hindus that on the The bright lights of Diwali. day of Diwali, Lord Rama Diwali are also considered to The IAC calls upon all returned to Ayodhya after signify the illuminatory pow- Guyanese to respect the defeating Ravana, King of er of knowledge, which de- sanctity of Diwali, and enLanka, and that the people stroys the darkness of igno- gage in appropriate and fitof Ayodhya celebrated his re- rance, and also to represent ting observances and activiturn by lighting thousands of the triumph of good over evil. ties. diyas. The IAC also recognis- Shubh Diwali!
Diversity has worked, will continue to work, to Guyana’s advantage - PNCR
On this happy and Deepavali celebrations. The Hindu belief that good ultijoyous occasion of idea of the triumph of light mately triumphs over evil. Deepavali/Diwali, or over darkness, symbolical- The PNCR has always The Festival of Lights, the ly and otherwise, carries a been, and will always rePeople’s National Congress powerful message for the main, respectful of Guyana’s Reform (PNCR) wishes Guyanese nation. cultural and religious dito extend greetings to the Diwali occurs on the versity, and believes that members of our Hindu com- night of Amavasya (New our diversity has worked munity, especially the re- Moon) in the month of and will continue to work ligious leaders, and to all Kartik, which is considered to the country’s advantage. Guyanese. to be the darkest night on Guyana is a multi-religious, 2020 year of Guyanese the Hindu calendar, and multi-ethnic and multi-culobservance of Diwali is oc- marks the return of Lord tural country. Our diversicurring at a very import- Rama after 14 years in ex- ty is an asset, not a liabilant moment in the history ile. To welcome his return ity. Our Party is proud to of the nation, when there is and to light his path, diyas belong to a society of many a clear need for peace, un- were lit. faiths. derstanding, stability and Diwali is a joyous cele- As we celebrate Diwali, social cohesion. These val- bration of inner light over the PNCR remains commitues are common to all the spiritual darkness; knowl- ted to ensuring unity in direligions in Guyana, and edge over ignorance, and versity, so that our beloved assume particular signif- right over wrong. It is a country can experience real icance in respect to the festive restatement of the development and progress.
