During the opening of the International Muslim Symposium on Tuesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasized the importance of conducting research on Islam and multiculturalism in the Caribbean. The symposium, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, was organized in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA).
Addressing a diverse audience of local and international Muslim representatives, President Ali asserted that the forum provides a platform for leveraging the history of Islam to chart a course towards a prosperous future. He underscored that to foster genuine appreciation, understanding, and respect for the Muslim faith, education is crucial, and a comprehensive study on Islam in the Caribbean is one of the ways to achieve this.
President Ali went on to highlight Guyana’s unique position as an ideal case study, showcasing the functioning of its legal and political systems, as well as its rich ethnic and religious diversity at all levels of governance.
Dr. Mahmud Kilic, the Director General of IRCICA, emphasized the significance of the symposium in facilitating a thorough analysis of Islam’s contributions and history in the Caribbean and globally. He noted that it also serves as a platform for collective efforts in addressing challenges faced by the global community.
An academic paper stemming from a multicultural and multi-ethnic community in the Western Hemisphere, Dr. Kilic emphasized, can hold immense significance as a scholarly document.
The call for research on Islam and multiculturalism in the Caribbean echoes the commitment to understanding and celebrating the diverse cultural landscape of the region.