Photo:Guyana’s President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, left, is presented with the FOWPAL Peace Bell Award by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, after ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love.

 

FOWPAL’s Bell Ringing Ceremony and World Leader Summit of Love and Peace in Guyana

On October 15, 2024, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) hosted the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, marking its 113th country visit. During the event, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, presided over a ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, where Guyana’s President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and four other influential leaders rang the Bell and shared heartfelt wishes for global harmony.

 

Photo:On October 15, 2024, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) hosts the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital.

 

Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who had rung the Bell just days earlier, sent a letter of support for the event. “This summit represents a vital platform for leaders within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute collectively to the promotion of peace and mutual understanding among nations," President Santokhi wrote, commending FOWPAL's dedication to promoting global peace.

 

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of  FOWPAL, welcomed all attendees and indicated in his speech that conscience is the key to solving global issues. "Conscience stems from the depths of the human soul, helping us discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and right and wrong. It is the spiritual compass that guides individuals and humanity in saving themselves and others. Promoting conscience education is an urgent global action." 

 

Dr. Hong especially chose Guyana to hold the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace for its significant role in CARICOM, and he rang the Bell nine times to wish Guyana, the United Nations, and the world more peace, tranquility, and economic growth. He expressed his three wishes: “May everyone follow their conscience. May we help global citizens with the power of hope and action. May the world be blessed with peace forever.” 

 

Photo:Guyana’s President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali is posed to ring the Bell of World Peace and Love at the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace hosted by FOWPAL on October 15, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana.

 

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, rang the Bell and spoke about the necessity of both individual and collective action for peace, stressing that real change requires commitment, selflessness, and a clear conscience. He urged leaders to work toward preventing conflicts at all levels, emphasizing that peace must be grounded in justice. He emphasized, “We must create a new paradigm where we work on peace in the prevention of wars and not work on ending wars for the purpose of peace.”

 

Four other leaders also rang the Bell and shared their hopes for peace. Dharmkumar Seeraj, Guyana’s Member of Parliament and nominated High Commissioner to India, rang the Bell and stated, “We develop in an environment of peace and love. Conflict brings retrogression. I pray we spread peace and love.”

 

Photo:Dharmkumar Seeraj, Guyana’s Member of Parliament and nominated High Commissioner to India, left, receives the “Key to the Heart” by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, after ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love.

 

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works of Guyana, rang the Bell and stated, “I pray for peace in families, in communities, in nations, and among all of our people. I pray for respect and tolerance among religions, and the end of wars and civil unrest.”

 

Photo:Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works of Guyana, rings the Bell, stating, “I pray for peace in families, in communities, in nations, and among all of our people. I pray for respect and tolerance among religions, and the end of wars and civil unrest.”

 

Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown, Guyana, rang the Bell and stated, “With all the wars and disagreements in the world, I wish for more consensus, cooperation, conciliation amongst countries and for peace, love, and greater conscience from all our leaders.” 

 

Photo Mayor Alfred Montore of Georgetown, Guyana rings the Bell of World Peace and Love. He wished for greater consensus, cooperation, conciliation among countries, and for peace, love, and conscience.

 

Apostle Alex Selorm, Guyanese Minister of the Gospel with Extensive Call to Mission of Evangelism, rang the Bell and stated, “World peace is essential for the ending of poverty, hunger, discrimination, gender-based violence, etc. It is crucial that the people of this planet demand world peace.”

 

Photo:Apostle Alex Selorm, Guyanese Minister of the Gospel with Extensive Call to Mission of Evangelism, receives a certificate of honor by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, after ringing the Bell.  

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Conrad Enill, also sent a letter in support of the summit, emphasizing that peace begins within each individual. Dr. Monica Sanchez, CEO of Miss Caricom International Women Foundation, read his message, highlighting the transformative power of positive thinking and the importance of building bridges across divides to foster global peace.

 

Many other dignitaries also attended the event, including Trinidad and Tobago’s former President Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona; Chief of Protocol Ambassador Ivan Evelyn, representing Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh H. Todd; Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Denise Miller; Chinua Duke, Political Director for New York State Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman; Rev. Dr. Agorom C. Dike, founder and president of the Caribbean and African Faith-Based Leadership Conference and liaison to the White House Faith-Based Cabinet Offices; and Dr. Monica Sanchez, CEO of Miss Caricom International Women Foundation.

 

As of October 15, 2024, a total of 598 influential leaders from 151 countries had rung FOWPAL’s Peace Bell, including 74 heads of state and government, 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and other distinguished figures. President Fradique de Menezes of Sao Tome and Principe (2001-2011), President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal (2000-2012), and President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Republic (1996-2000 and 2004-2012), rang the Bell and made wishes for peace during their tenure and later mediated between neighboring countries to defuse potential wars, fulfilling their promises to help stabilize and sustain the Earth. 

 

At the Summit, former Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Carmona emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, focusing on building strong individuals rather than fixing broken ones. He highlighted the need to address inequality and uneven resource distribution, which lead to tension and conflict. "There is no peace without justice," he stated, urging attendees to serve as ambassadors of peace. He stressed that living by peace and serving others can create meaningful change, emphasizing the power of individual roles in promoting justice, unity, and lasting peace.

 

Photo:FOWPAL delivers a powerful martial arts performance, inspiring people to end conflict and promote goodness. 

 

FOWPAL delivered a powerful martial arts performance, inspiring people to end conflict and promote goodness. FOWPAL members also sang “We Can Change the World,” encouraging global cooperation for a better future.

 

Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown presented Dr. Hong with the key to the city, honoring his worldwide advocacy for love, peace, and conscience. The event highlighted the importance of conscience, justice, and cooperation in building a peaceful world.

 

Photo:Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown presented Dr. Hong with the key to the city, honoring his worldwide advocacy for love, peace, and conscience. 

 

Photo:The event ended on a happy note as Mayor Alfred Mentore held a sign reading "113," marking Guyana as FOWPAL’s 113th visited nation.

 

FOWPAL concluded the event on a joyful note by performing the uplifting song, 'Happiness Is Everywhere, and then attendees posed for a commemorative group photo. Mayor Mentore held a sign reading "113," marking Guyana as FOWPAL’s 113th visited nation.