Thursday 7 June 2007

Humanism In Guyana


One of the new members of 21st Century Network, Gareth has written asking if we would be interested in the work he and others are doing in developing humanism in Guyana. I said that is something we would be keen to discuss and help with as the problems facing Guyana are huge and humanistic principles all important.

Guyana is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labour and a deficient infrastructure. Until recently the government was juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment.

Gareth tell us - There's a huge and untapped constituency for humanists, plus people who probably are humanists but just don't know it yet, to do great things. The likes of CAFOD, Christian Aid etc do some terrific work - but we could do better. Environmental Humanism Guyana is an opportunity for humanists to actually do something, and bind us together whilst we're at it.

The organisation Gareth is involved with - Environmental Humanism Guyana - seeks to apply common sense, proactive environmental concern and a Rationalist approach for Guyana. This includes,
  • Acceptance of moral responsibility - where it becomes difficult to agree the correct way forward, then agreement that common sense plus a humanist instinct should guide us forward. Ideals are a good thing - inflexible dogma is not.
  • Realisation that fighting back from the precipice of environmental catastrophe is a priority.
    Nurture environmental initiatives in Guyana.
  • The recognition that natural resources cannot be separated from the economy, is key to the reduction of poverty, and the establishment of a sustainable economy.
  • Society needs to cross racial lines, whichever cricket team one chooses to support.
  • Protecting the secular nature of society.
  • Respect for religion, whilst being freed from its demands.
  • Evolution over revolution.Humanism is a worldwide movement, based on Rationalist thought.

Guyana is a unique country with its particular strengths and weaknesses, and Env Hum Guyana is tailored to its needs. It is time to try something new.

Gareth tell us - We seek to create a group of people who understand and believe in environmental humanism as a way forward for the people of Guyana.?

They have developed a website which you can visit here ...

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