…in Youman Nabi message
President Irfaan Ali today used his Youman Nabi message to urge national unity in the wake of recent tragedy, while cautioning against the “reckless assignment of blame” before the facts are known.
In a short video posted on his Facebook page, Ali extended greetings to Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, particularly the Muslim community, on the occasion commemorating the birth and life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The President said the occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s legacy and the values of faith, humility, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, patience, truth, justice, unity and peace.
He said the Prophet taught that a community must never become indifferent to the suffering of others and compared society to a single body in which the pain of one part is felt by the whole.
“Those words have particular resonance for Guyana at a time when our nation has been touched recently by profound tragedy,” Ali said.
While he did not identify the tragedy, his remarks come amid continuing national grief over the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, which claimed scores of lives and left around 30 persons missing.
Ali urged Guyanese not to allow grief to descend into despair, hatred or division.
“Seek truth, but without fury. Pursue justice, but without malice. Correct what is broken, but without vengeance, and do not engage in a reckless assignment of blame before the facts are known,” he said.
The President also called on citizens to mourn together, comfort the bereaved and resist attempts to turn neighbours against each other.
“Let tragedy become not a wedge that separates us, but a bridge that brings us closer,” he said.
Ali concluded by praying for comfort for grieving families and for the country to be guided towards greater compassion, justice, peace and unity.
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