The Rotary Club of Georgetown has joined forces with the Guyana Together Campaign to promote greater equality and inclusion in Guyana. Yesterday saw the launch of Rotary’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion project at Palm Court. That project is being carried out in conjunction with the Guyana Together campaign, which is led by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEA), the Guyana Press Association and the Society against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Guyana.
The collaboration is expected to advance shared values of celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and embracing inclusion through the Club’s networks in Guyana. The project also aims to increase individual pledges and organizational endorsements of the Guyana Together campaign.
Guest speaker at the launch was award-winning entrepreneur and gender-equity advocate, Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran.
Gurchuran emphasized the importance of recognizing those who have embraced their differences and championing their rights as an essential step towards building a more inclusive and compassionate Guyana.
She said that while progress has been made in embracing diversity, it is time to extend the conversation publicly. The advocate said that respecting and treating gay and trans people with the same dignity and fairness all humans desire is not just a moral imperative—it is fundamental for the well-being of families, the success of businesses, and the development of stronger, more united communities.
“We are all human beings deserving of respect. As a mother of five children, I am committed to instilling in them, the Golden Rule—to treat others the way they would want to be treated. This principle applies universally, transcending differences and fostering empathy and understanding,” said Gurchuran.
She noted that in the realm of business, discriminatory practices and biases have long hindered the full participation of every Guyanese in the job market. Gurchuran also called for a paradigm shift—a commitment to maximizing the country’s labour force and affirming that every citizen deserves an equal opportunity to work hard and provide for their families.
“I am proud to be part of a growing community of employers advocating against discriminatory laws, understanding that a thriving business is one where all team members have the support they need to succeed,” said Gurchuran.
She added that globally, successful businesses and competitive economies are embracing inclusion not only as a moral imperative but as a strategic advantage.
The advocate asserted that modernizing Guyana’s laws to eliminate discrimination is not just the right thing to do; “It is an investment in the long-term sustainability and growth of our economy.”
Gurchuran also called for the continued championing of the cause of equality, justice, and inclusivity. She said, “As we work towards a better future for all Guyanese, let our collective efforts speak to the values of unity, fairness, and prosperity that define the spirit of Guyana Together.”
Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson, made a call for more Guyanese to lend their voices and support the campaign. He said persons can do so by following Guyana Together on the various social media platforms as well as endorsing the campaign.