Georgetown, Guyana, September 20, 2015 – Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, today, attended the Guyana Equality Forum’s Peace Day, Novelty Sports and Health Fair organised by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), in collaboration with the United States Embassy and the Peace Corps. The event was held at the Eve Leary Sports Ground in commemoration of International Day of Peace.

The Minister in her remarks lauded the Guyana Equality Forum and its partners for promoting health and well-being, encouraging youth participation and civil engagement and advancing human rights and equality for all Guyanese.

She said that peace, prosperity, tranquillity and security are only possible if all forms of discrimination are eliminated.

“It is imperative to create a nation where all are treated equally, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or economic status. We would like to achieve a nation where Guyanese would like to remain and those in the Diaspora would return to…a unified, nationalistic, progressive society, in which there is respect for the rule of law, the democratic process, the environment and where the basic social and economic needs of the people are met,” the Minister said.

She assured that the Administration is working to ensure the development of a society of shared values and equal opportunities for all.

Meanwhile, Peace Corps Country Director, Linda Abrogast spoke of the importance of respecting and celebrating the diversity of the Guyanese society and called on the youths to recognise their role in creating a nation where no one is discriminated based on gender, sexual orientation or health status.

A number of trophies and medals were handed out those who participated in the various sporting events. Participating organisations include: SASOD, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, Guyana National Youth Council, Peace Corps, Youth Media Guyana, Guyana Trans United, and the Georgetown American University.

September 21 was designated International Day of Peace by the United Nations (UN). The theme for this year’s observance is, “Partnerships for Peace- Dignity for All.”

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