In a society plagued by social, cultural and economic violence, it is becoming increasingly clear that Guyana is a fractured country. Coupled with the growing sense of social and political mistrust amongst the populace, it is necessary to promote and embody positive behavioural and attitudinal changes.
It with this in mind that a new civil society group named, “Heal Guyana” was recently launched.
FOUNDER- Sharon Lalljee-Richard
Heal Guyana will be an inclusive platform meant to offer positive insights and solutions towards racial unity, political impartiality, gender balance, sexual orientation inclusivity and public accountability. In the interest of gearing participation amongst youths particularly, the Heal Guyana platform will initially take the form of an online forum. Upon seeing the need for solutions-based and empathetic interventions within society, founder of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard, began the formation of a diverse civil society group. “Our beautiful Guyana has become an ugly place for too many of our people,” said Lalljee-Richard. “With issues ranging from high levels of migration, suicide and general disenchantment in our nation’s ability to deliver on promises, too many Guyanese are checking out. This has to change if we are to reach our true potential as a collective.” An activist in areas related to ethnic relations and social justice, fellow Board Member, Alexis Stephens – a communications expert and consultant – said that “Unhealed traumas are generating the destructive types of behaviours we are seeing every day in the streets.” Stephens believes we need to look beyond our differences and embrace a new approach for the country to heal. “What happened in parliament this week shows what can happen when we engage with each other destructively,” she said.
Other members on the Heal Guyana board are Lawrence Lachmansingh, Governance and Peace Practitioner, and Egbert Carter, Civil Engineer. Embracing such values as equality, fairness, unity, and compassion, Heal Guyana’s first responsibility is to the people and their social, political and economic wellbeing. Those interested in learning more and participating in the work of Heal Guyana are invited to visit the group’s Facebook page, its Instagram account or its website at www.healguyana.org.