President cautions at Peter's Hall Masjid...
Don't allow distortions of dialogue to create negative political atmosphere
Guyana Chronicle
November 26, 2003
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday expressed hope that recent attempts at distorting a good Government-Opposition engagement process are not with the aim of disrupting relative political peace.
"I've seen attempts again at distorting what I think has been a good process of engagement between myself and the Leader of the Opposition...and I'm hoping that it's not with the motive of once again taking to the streets or creating a negative political atmosphere.
"I'm really hoping that it is not with that purpose," the Head of State told a large gathering of Muslims celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr at the Peter's Hall Masjid, East Bank Demerara.
The Government recently disputed an assertion by Opposition Leader, Mr Robert Corbin, that substantial progress has not been made in its 'Constructive Engagement' with the main opposition People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).
"I wish that more of our people would practice a period of introspection in Guyana...then I think we would become more focused on the task ahead...on the things that we need to work towards to make this country better...on our problems and also the blessings that we have...," he said.
President Jagdeo pointed to the ongoing war against terrorism, its link to the Muslim religion and targeting of believers.
"...we here in Guyana have to count our blessings that we can freely practice our religion without fear of discrimination," he said, urging a commitment to understanding the current struggle of Muslims around the world and the fact that there is a common humanity.
Earlier, Imam Azad Ali, who presided at the ceremony, said it was unfair to make a connection between the peace-loving faith and violence and terrorism. He challenged all to uphold the dignity of the religion and its principles of unity and peace.
A section of male/female worshippers at the Queenstown Mosque, Church Street where services were also held.
President Jagdeo also advised against a feeling of complacency with an ease in the violent crime wave that gripped the country for more than a year.
"Although the situation has improved, brothers, I want you to understand that these things are never really over and we must not feel comfortable that we have a period now when it's not so bad as a year ago," he implored.
"We must constantly remind ourselves that criminal elements and other forces (are) constantly at work and we must also prepare ourselves to confront them, so there should be no period of complacency in the country..."
The President said there is need to strengthen not only the security forces, but religious organisations to help in the battle because the criminal elements threaten the very fabric of society.
The Head of State also pointed to economic decline in many countries, including the United States, where three million jobs have been lost in the past two years. He said that because Guyana is a major exporter to these countries, the decline has been affecting the local economy seriously.
The Government has managed to maintain relative stability, but it would require the whole country to work together to deal with such issues, he noted.
The President said the task ahead is not easy and citizens should stay focused on the goals ahead and work to combat national problems.
He also commended conscientious efforts by Muslims to help the poor, many of whom were given special treats at the ceremony at the gaily decorated Masjid yesterday.