Dear Editor,
The government seems to be taking no chances of another Jim Jones saga taking place in Guyana as it has evicted religious men and women attached to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
But there are varied views concerning this touchy issue. One must not forget that this is truly a matter dealing with a religious organization which has grown to popularity in the State of Utah and which has undoubtedly spread across the world.
Guyanese would agree that the missionaries are visibly present in almost every community countrywide once there are persons living there. Guyanese are also aware that these same —now ousted— missionaries have come to their aid and assistance in their times of need. The church has made numerous monetary and itemized donations during its existence here in Guyana to various persons, clubs, hospitals and even schools. They have given to almost every sphere of Guyanese life. They acquired huge homes (which were rented) and also built dazzling church buildings (as the one here in East Canje in Berbice).
To summarize, the church has been involved in numerous works of charity and benevolence. Whereas the Jim Jones cult church operated tens of miles away in Guyana’s interior and amidst thick jungle, the Mormons based their work in the towns and villages amongst the people of Guyana. The future of this church now in Guyana is very uncertain. The authorities have made it clear, through the newspaper reports that more new potential missionaries who wish to come to Guyana need proper documentation and permits to operate here.
Many did not appreciate the manner of detainment which befell the missionaries on Wednesday. More are of the view that the government is acting in a prejudiced manner against these people who only mean well for Guyana through their peaceful humanitarian works. Some say that the police should seek after hardened criminals before ‘arresting’ and detaining these people or hours after taking away their travel documents.
What seems to be a pattern which keeps generating itself in Guyana nowadays, though, seems to be the influx of foreigners arriving with the best of intentions—to help Guyanese. Just a few years ago, we had the arrivals of persons such as Benny Hinn and Ernest Angley. They performed numerous “healings” and “miracles” at their crusades which were attended by thousands of people. Their meetings were highly publicized and garnered humungous turnouts. Did the authorities question those “miracles” which they performed? Many said that they were phony. Exiled Kenyan Gilbert Deya also touched down on our shores a few years ago. He also attracted thousands to his healing ceremonies, where he claimed to produce “miracle babies” for various persons. He has since been ordered to leave the United Kingdom, and was sent back home to Kenya where he has been charged for ‘baby smuggling’.
Presently, there is the growing membership of another religious entity—this time from neighbouring Brazil (a predominantly Catholic country). This organization is so popular (with 5000 churches currently there) in that nation that even the Roman Catholic Church there is feeling threatened by conversions of followers to that church. They are known for their huge auditoriums, which they refer to as ‘help centres’ (which can hold up to 12,000 persons at a time).
There we have another instance of foreigners coming into our country and establishing avenues and channels through which desperate Guyanese can access help, healing, material goods and even money. Many of these religious sects somehow set up shops in the minutest villages across our land, reaching and touching numerous persons living under all sorts of circumstances.
One can arrive at the conclusion that these religious groups have heard about and understood the fact that there are huge pockets of Guyanese society living in dire poverty. Therefore, they have internalized this harsh reality and decided to allow the giving of humanitarian services to go hand in hand with their preaching, teaching and even healing.
The missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to my view, meant no harm through their presence and existence in our society. I don’t ever believe that they might’ve become a super Jim Jones movement in Guyana. The conditions today are not conducive to carry out such activities. But as I said, the government doesn’t intend to walk down that road again, even as the Associated Press (AP) article mentions that this church has been supporting community agriculture and “has collaborated with the main opposition the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in providing donations to the poor”.
The government has expelled these people from Guyana, but others have come (in recent years as I mentioned), did worse and left without a finger being turned. As I said, there is another growing sect right there in downtown Georgetown, in full view of the police and government. What goes for one must go for all. But of course, the government doesn’t ever see things that way — only their way.
Yours faithfully,
Leon J Suseran
