Dear Editor,
The Alexander Village Mandir, located at the corner of Third and Cross sts., has a long history of serving the village and beyond for more than one hundred years. One of the most auspicious times for the Mandir and villagers is Diwali. This festival is one that the Mandir became famous for because of elaborate Rangolis and extensive Diya lighting throughout the entire village.
Unfortunately, beginning twelve years ago in 1998, outsiders with no regard to the sanctity and beauty of the festival began invading the village. This had gotten so out of hand, that the celebration was almost wiped out and the Mandir itself was repeatedly attacked and damaged; not to mention damage to villagers’ properties and stress to their pets.
Last year, for the first time, after directives from Minister Rohee and President Jagdeo himself, under the leadership of David Ramnarine, now an Assistant Commissioner of Police, and ably assisted by senior officers Brumell, Sauers, Gordon, Das and Fowler, the situation was brought under control. David Ramnarine also committed to providing support for a few years until the situation is fully normalised.
While it was greatly appreciated what was done by the authorities last year, we hope that this year the groups that gathered at the street corners would not be allowed to build up as much so that arrests can be kept to a minimum. The last thing we would like is an escalation of tensions.
Diwali will be observed on Friday, 5th November this year, and we, the villagers and members of the Mandir are therefore requesting the authorities to once again give us their sterling support, bearing in mind too, that it is peace we are seeking above all. This year the Mandir will also be hosting a group of about forty foreigners, and would like them to experience the festival in all its joy and splendour.
Yours faithfully,
Ravo Sukhram, Danny Ramdeen, Rajesh Ramotar, Gerhard Ramsaroop, Narita Singh, Jasmattie Shivraj, Doris Narine, Meggie Danram, Rohinie Bonar, Nandanie Sookwah and numerous others.