Let oneness prevail - President Stabroek News March 20, 2000 President Bharrat Jagdeo, in a Phagwah message, is urging Guyanese to allow the oneness in spirit which prevails in all festivals to enter "this land so that with dedication and unity we can build a happy and prosperous Guyana." President Jagdeo, in a press release from the Office of the President, said that Phagwah, the Hindu New Year, "transcends all barriers and creates a cordial atmosphere for healthy exchanges and building of bridges of friendship." It is a time, the President stressed, for deep reflection and to acknowledge that Holi proves that good ultimately triumphs over evil. The gains made by those who resisted injustice and triumphed should influence Guyanese "to preserve, protect and defend our advance," the release said. The President pointed out that Guyana is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society where one "has tolerance and respect for each other's way of life." He noted that a few days ago Eid was celebrated and very shortly Easter will be too. This was "evidence of our diverse richness," he said. Persaud lauds Guyanese for acceptance of cultural diversity President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, is congratulating Guyanese for the mature way in which they have grown to understand, accept and respect the rich cultural diversity of this country. Guyana's richness, Persaud said in his Phagwah message, "is not confined to its natural resources but abounds as well in its cultural assets." Persaud said the festivals have taught the Guyanese to unite and cement their interaction with each other, "moving them away for a while from the routines and conflicts of life and imbuing in them characteristics of tolerance, cordiality and respect." While it is a time full of merriment, Persaud asserted, it is also a time for deep and profound thought and evaluation. Consider the environment - Mayor urges in Phagwah message In his Phagwah message, Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green is calling on the Hindus to think of positive ways to assist in the restoration of the city as they celebrate the occasion. "This is a time when citizens seek to clean their homes and general environment. It is a time, too, when much emphasis is placed on the purity of our hearts. The condition of our physical surroundings is a reflection of our attitude towards God's gift to mankind - the earth," the Mayor said. GDP extends Phagwah greetings The Guyana Democratic Party (GDP) has joined in extending Phagwah greetings to all Hindus and Guyanese. Leader of the GDP, Asgar Ally, in a release said that "the spirit of Phagwah is one of love and unity and it is hoped that this festival will help to unite Guyanese... for us to live in peace and harmony."