GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—Several Islamic organizations here Tuesday said they had raised more than GUY$110 million (One Guyana dollar = 0.004 cents) in humanitarian aid for the people of Palestine during the just-concluded holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO), and The Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) said President Irfaan Ali launched the fund-raising initiative “on the 27th night of Ramadan, which Muslims believe to be the “Night of Power” when the Glorious Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago.”
They said Guyanese from various strata of society “demonstrated their characteristic generosity through their donations during and after the 27th Night of Ramadan and through transfers “to a particular account.
“The overwhelming support forced an extension of the period for donations,” the statement said, adding that the funds raised were handed over to President Ali in a simple ceremony on Tuesday.
“The sum raised will be delivered to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) to assist those affected by the ongoing war,” the groups said, adding, “We believe that what continues to unfold in Gaza is nothing short of genocide.
“While it weighs heavily on our hearts, it has been tough for all members of the Muslim community. While Guyana’s Muslim community is a small percentage of the country’s overall population and certainly not a community with great means, the amount raised is a testimony to their spirit of generosity and willingness to sacrifice wealth to help the Palestinian people.”
The groups said that it was heart-warming to see the overwhelmingly positive response of Guyanese citizens from all walks of life to the images of death and destruction in Gaza, the West Bank, and those living in the remarkable city of Jerusalem, home of Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, Islam’s third holiest site.
“We commend President Ali for his astute leadership and public position he has taken on the ongoing war in demanding an immediate end to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and the brutal occupation of Palestinian lands.”
In February, Guyana pledged to donate US$150,000 to the UNRWA in support of Palestinians displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“Guyana’s contribution to UNRWA aligns with our appeals for a more robust international response to the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip and the protection of civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict. To this end, as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council, Guyana supports a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said then.
“The Government of Guyana looks forward to a new day for Palestinians and Israelis beyond the constant shadows of war. Guyana is prepared to work as a member of the UN Security Council and with the entire UN membership to accelerate the vision of two independent states living side by side in peace and security and of a peaceful Middle East,” it added.
Fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters invaded a part of Israel, has claimed over 25,000 lives.
The United Nations says nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents will face famine if Israel’s ongoing siege and blockade continues.
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