– Prime Minister at Youman Nabi celebration
Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Thursday joined the Islamic community in the observance of Youman Nabi (the birth of Prophet Muhammad), at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex, West Coast Demerara.
The Prime Minister in his remarks underscored the importance of religious tolerance and said that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad are most relevant in addressing challenges faced by society today.
“Lessons such as mercy, forgiveness, love for humanity, seeing the best in our neighbour, humility, being slow to anger and indulging in good health and continuous knowledge, these are all practices that can serve as immeasurably useful for us as we face the world today,” he said.
He added that as people try to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic they can use these teachings as a message of hope.
“These occurrences can have massive effects on our physical and mental health and even affect our social and economic wellbeing. It is at these most trying times that we need outstanding examples such as those taught by the Prophet Muhammad”.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson (JR), during his remarks said that religion is included in the Government’s work programme under his ministry.
“The President has implored upon me to include all of the religions in our cultural programme…one of the things you will see us doing on behalf of the Government of Guyana and through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is that we are not only going to spread the message of tolerance, but we are going to spread the message of appreciation and we are going to celebrate the cultural diversity that Guyana has as our rich national treasure”.
Also present were Minister of Human Service and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Mr. Deodat Indar and former President and Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Hinds. (DPI)
