Guyana Marks Diwali as Leaders and Groups Call for Unity

The Guyana Trades Union Congress used its Deepavali message to call for greater unity, dignity and equal treatment in Guyana, saying the festival’s values should guide how citizens and leaders confront discrimination and injustice. It urged that the country’s diversity be seen as a strength and that progress be measured not only by growth, but by fairness, rights and respect for all.

The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) has sent Deepavali greetings to Guyanese at home and abroad, wishing the festival’s light brings peace, hope, love and prosperity. The message also urges renewed commitment to equality, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Guyana’s diverse society.

In a Diwali message, Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine criticized the PPP government, saying ordinary Guyanese are still facing hardship despite the country’s oil wealth. He also raised concern over the imprisonment of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and opposed proposed unlimited pension benefits for former presidents, arguing national wealth should benefit all citizens.

The People’s Progressive Party has extended Diwali greetings to Guyanese, especially Hindu communities, marking the Festival of Lights as a celebration of hope, truth and renewal. The statement says the holiday highlights Guyana’s cultural diversity and calls for greater peace, harmony and understanding across the country.

In a Diwali 2026 message, the Alliance For Change urged Guyanese to embrace unity, good governance and fair sharing of the country’s oil and natural resource wealth. The party said the festival’s message of light over darkness should inspire inclusion, accountability and prosperity for all communities.

President Irfaan Ali used his Diwali message to urge Guyanese to protect the country’s forests, rivers and biodiversity, saying development must not come at the expense of the environment. Prime Minister Mark Phillips praised Hindu traditions and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s work, linking Diwali celebrations to social service, education and national unity as Guyana marks 60 years of independence.

The Guyana Public Service Union used its Diwali greeting to criticise the government for not yet paying increased wages for public servants in 2026, saying the delay is unfair to workers. The Ethnic Relations Commission also marked the Festival of Lights, urging Guyanese to use Diwali’s message of light, unity and tolerance to strengthen national harmony.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips urged Guyanese to preserve cultural and religious traditions while strengthening national unity during the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Deep Jale celebration at Kitty Seawall Roundabout. He said Diwali’s message of light over darkness applies beyond religion and called on citizens to show kindness, support neighbours and help build peace and prosperity.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Diwali celebrations such as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Deep Jale help strengthen unity, respect and national identity in Guyana’s diverse society. Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud urged Guyanese to live Diwali’s message through honesty, equality and protecting women and girls. The annual festivities continue across the country, including the long-running Diwali Motorcade.