Dear Editor,
I would like to refer to Kean Gibson’s letter captioned “Not surprised at the Pandit’s appointment” (KN 07.02.01).
I would like to point out to her that we do not have a Hindu government, nor a Muslim or a Christian one. Our President and Govern-ment have shown equal respect and regard for all religions and races.
The party which they represent has since its inception excluded none from being members, whether in the Central Executive, General Council or general membership.
Because of the appointment of Pandit Gossai as an aide or advisor to the President, Gibson wants to read into it all sorts of wicked and sinister motives, alleging among other things, that “Africans in Guyana are contributing financially to their own subjugation and the inflicting of violence on themselves.”
First of all, members of all races and religions make up the Cabinet and Government, and there is not nor ever has been any programme or policy to subjugate, marginalise or discriminate against Africans or any other group.
Further, Afro-Guyanese hold important and significant positions and authority in the highest and all echelons of the government and administration of the country.
When the late President Cheddi Jagan wanted to appoint Anglican Bishop Randolph George, an Afro-Guyanese as Chairman of the Race Relations Commission, the then leader of the main opposition, the late Mr Desmond Hoyte, an Afro-Guyanese himself objected, so the setting up of this important Commission was frustrated.
The Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission subsequently established is Bishop Juan Edghill, an Afro-Guyanese also and the Commission has members of all religions and races.
Allegations of racial discrimination and marginalization of Afro-Guyanese are regularly made by the main opposition PNCR-1G as part of its political propaganda and playing of the race card at national elections to hold on to their African support.
Kean Gibson refers to the President of Guyana addressing a gathering of Hindus at the Diwali celebrations in October 2006 where, according to her, he stated Diwali is not only religious but it also seeks to prescribe ‘a way of life’ for its followers.
“We must therefore use the scriptures and philosophy to improve our lives and country.”
What is sinister or unacceptable about the President encouraging the members of a religion to improve their lives and their country on the occasion of an important religious observance and celebration? Does he not give similar advice and encouragement to the Muslims and the Christians to follow their scriptures, improve their lives and the country when they observe and celebrate their religious occasions and festivals?
What is Kean Gibson’s real motive in singling out the Hindus and their festival of Diwali in which incidentally most other Guyanese join with them in celebrating and lighting up their homes and businesses and sharing in enjoying the food and sweetmeats? Her motive is suspect.
Yours faithfully,
John DaSilva
