Photo:Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown, Guyana, center right, and Deputy Mayor Denise Miller, second from left, pose for a group photo with Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center left, and other guests in front of a peace monument outside the mayor’s office.

 

Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Council Members, and Citizens of Georgetown Sign the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope

 

October 14, 2024

Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown, Guyana, extended a special invitation to Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and leader of Tai Ji Men, along with the FOWPAL delegation to visit Georgetown City Hall on October 14, 2024. In the morning, the mayor warmly greeted Dr. Hong and explained that a new city hall is under construction. Distinguished guests attending the event included former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Carmona; Chinua Duke, Political Director for New York State Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman; Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike, founder and chairman of the Caribbean and African Faith-Based Alliance; and Dr. Monica Sanchez, founder of the Miss Caricom International Foundation.

 

Dr. Monica Sanchez, who was born in Guyana, has been collaborating with Dr. Hong in New York for years to promote love, peace, and conscience. She deeply admires Dr. Hong's persistent efforts for world peace and introduced him to Mayor Mentore.

 

Photo:Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown, Guyana, first row, right, poses for a group photo with Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, first row, left, along with other influential leaders inside his office.

 

The mayor expressed his gratitude for the timely visit of the delegation and emphasized that Guyana is a peaceful country that wishes to maintain peace. The mayor engaged in a profound dialogue with Dr. Hong and other dignitaries on topics such as love, peace, and sustainable development. Dr. Hong highlighted the importance of the balance of yin and yang, particularly in turbulent times, when love and peace are needed to restore balance to the Earth. Dr. Hong noted that Guyana is the 113th country visited by FOWPAL, with Suriname being the previous stop, where President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, on behalf of his people, rang the Bell of World Peace and Love to pray for global peace and harmony. 

 

Former Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Carmona, who once served as a prosecutor for the United Nations, shared his experiences of witnessing the horrors of war and atrocities like ethnic cleansing. He encouraged everyone to actively participate in promoting peace to ensure that the Caribbean region remains peaceful.

 

Chinua Duke, representing New York State Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, emphasized that events in Guyana impact  New York, as he himself hails from Guyana. This highlights the interconnectedness of the world, where one event affects other parts of the world. Duke urged everyone to continue preserving peace and to not take it for granted.

 

Photo:Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown, Guyana, left, presents Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze with a painting of the new City Hall, currently under construction, as a gesture of appreciation for Dr. Hong and FOWPAL. 

 

The Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Denise Miller addressed mental health and inner peace. She emphasized that peace starts with each individual, and that everyone can create happiness, which is the foundation of peace. She suggested forming a committee within the City Council to explore ways to promote peace and love among different ethnic groups in society.

 

After the discussion, the mayor invited Dr. Hong and other guests to visit a peace monument outside his office, which bears the inscription, "This is the way of peace: Overcome evil with good and hatred with love." They then took a group photo to commemorate the moment.

 

In the afternoon, the Georgetown City Council held a special cultural exchange event with Dr. Hong and the FOWPAL delegation. The mayor enthusiastically introduced Dr. Hong and invited Dr. Hong to deliver a speech, in which he expressed his gratitude to the City of Georgetown for the invitation. He shared FOWPAL's mission of promoting global peace and sustainable development through cultural exchanges, calling for everyone to take action with love and conscience. He stated, "May the love we carry for the Earth turn into concrete actions, lighting up our hearts and those of others, so that hope shines everywhere and the Earth continues to thrive."

 

Photo:Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze delivers a speech at the council meeting, expressing his gratitude to the City of Georgetown for the invitation.

 

Former President Carmona praised FOWPAL for being instrumental for the United Nations' designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience. He emphasized the importance of conscience-driven governance and peacebuilding in the Caribbean region, stating, "Peace is something we must work on," and encouraged the region to continue its commitment to justice and the rule of law.

 

During the event, FOWPAL delivered a captivating martial arts performance, conveying that the highest realm of martial arts is to stop conflict and promote goodness. The FOWPAL members also performed a beautiful song, "A Prayer for Peace," inspiring attendees to pray for global peace.

 

Photo:FOWPAL members deliver a captivating martial arts performance, conveying that the highest realm of martial arts is to stop conflict and promote goodness.

 

Georgetown Councillor Kesha Sertima praised the FOWPAL performance as a "breath of fresh air," and expressed her support for the organization's efforts for world peace. She remarked, "If we do not have peace within ourselves, we cannot share peace. If we don't have love within ourselves, we cannot share love."

 

During the council session, FOWPAL invited the mayor, deputy mayor, councillors, and citizens to sign the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, which designates September 23 as World Day of the Power of Hope. To date, people from 174 countries have signed the declaration.

 

In appreciation of Dr. Hong and FOWPAL, the mayor presented Dr. Hong with a painting of the new City Hall, currently under construction. Georgetown Councillor Robert Maison also expressed his gratitude to FOWPAL, stating that he hopes FOWPAL’s message will inspire Georgetown and help lead the city toward a more peaceful future.