President Ali – “Fast together, pray together, stay together”

President Irfaan Ali has issued a call to religious bodies to unite under the banner of ‘One
Guyana’ for a National Day of Fasting and Prayers on Friday, April 8, 2022.
Ali said that the day of Fasting and Prayers is being called at this time as three significant
religious observances are overlapping this month –Muslims are observing Ramadan, Hindus are
observing Chaitra Navratri, and Christians are observing Lent. He noted that this rare occurrence
offers a meaningful opportunity for Guyanese from all religious persuasions to come together to
pray for Guyana.
The President noted that he also sees this as an opportunity for the religious bodies and persons
from all belief systems to join with each other to promote the spirit of togetherness. “I would like
all of us to fast together, pray together, and stay together as ‘One Guyana’,” Ali said.
President Ali stressed that the National Day of Fasting and Prayers will culminate with a grand
interfaith meeting at the National Park in a time of prayer, songs and reflections. He disclosed
that similar activities are expected to be held in other parts of the country.
The Head of State pointed out that “the ‘One Guyana’ vision springs from our rich multicultural
heritage and the need to ensure that our diversity remains a source of strength and not an
instrument of division and disaffection.”  President Ali declared that the ‘One Guyana’ initiative
also aims to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence with due respect for their
rights and with equality before the law.