'Let us respect each other's belief, and undo negativity' -- President Bharrat Jagdeo Guyana Chronicle March 21, 2000 PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday said that Guyana is a nation of many people, cultures and religions and he emphasised that citizens must respect each other's religious belief in order to undo negativity. The Guyanese leader made the declaration while giving the feature address to worshippers at the Rama Krishna Mandir at Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown. In celebrating Phagwah, Guyana joined with the thousands of Hindus around the world to welcome the beginning of spring and to express thanks for all the good that has come to them. The Head of State wished everyone a happy Phagwah and said that over the years Guyanese have experienced a change. "But it is left to us to undo the negativity that exists not only physically, but also mentally," the President said. He advised that all religions have a very important role to play in society, but that parents, especially mothers, must teach their children tolerance and values so that they will not be afraid to speak out for justice. The President also told the gathering that children should have respect for their elders, and he encouraged more young people to get involved in activities that will give them a sense of belonging. Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud conducted the ceremony which was attended by more than 200 persons both young and old. Other Mandirs around the country also held ceremonies and participated in `Chowtal' singing in their communities to in observance of Phagwah.