President Dr Irfaan Ali has urged Guyanese to reflect on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad as the nation grapples with the pain and sorrow following the recent MV Barima tragedy.
In his Youman Nabi message, President Ali extended warm greetings to Guyanese at home and abroad, with special recognition of the Muslim community. He encouraged citizens to use the occasion to embrace values that can strengthen the country in times of hardship, including compassion, humility, forgiveness, patience, honesty, justice, peace and unity.
The President noted that the significance of these principles is even greater at a time when many Guyanese are mourning and grappling with the emotional impact of a national tragedy. He urged citizens to respond to grief with solidarity and compassion, rather than allowing pain to deepen divisions within society.
President Ali said the example of the Prophet offers an important lesson for communities facing difficult circumstances: truth should be pursued responsibly, justice should be sought without hostility, and wrongs should be addressed without letting anger or revenge take control.
He cautioned that profound grief must never give rise to hatred, suspicion or division. Instead, he called on Guyanese to support those who are suffering and to ensure that the tragedy becomes an opportunity for greater national solidarity.
The Head of State encouraged citizens to stand together in mourning and to comfort one another, emphasising that Guyana’s strength lies in its ability to unite despite differences in faith, background, or opinion.
He said the observance of Youman Nabi should serve as a reminder that compassion and humanity must remain at the heart of the nation’s response to adversity.
President Ali urged Guyanese to seek the truth with courage, pursue justice with wisdom, and extend kindness to those in pain. He also called on neighbours to support one another rather than turn against each other, emphasising that the tragedy should strengthen the bonds that connect the people of Guyana.
The President concluded by expressing hope that the spirit of Youman Nabi would inspire a nation guided by compassion, peaceful coexistence, justice, truth, and a renewed sense of togetherness.