Dear Editor,
The Inter Religious Organization takes serious umbrage at the impudent statements made by Ms. Patricia Gonzalez and Mr. Anthony Vieira in the Kaieteur News where they both profess that religious organizations of this country will become subservient to the executive arm of government by virtue of the proposed IRO television channel.
The IRO will never ever encourage or engage in any action where religion is made subservient. Such an action will be contrary to every known religious principle and for which we stand.
The members of the IRO, which include representatives of all faiths, have embarked on a bold initiative to share space and resources to the benefit of all Guyana and which can set an example for other countries and regions of the world.
Many of our members had applied for individual broadcast licences which were not being issued. As a compromise, we agreed to collectively apply for a licence for a single station where we can reach our respective audience. This has found favour with the Government of Guyana.
The religious organizations have shown by example how persons of different faiths can work together. Why would anyone be opposed to initiatives that demonstrate the religious harmony that presides in Guyana? Why would anyone want to block the successes of such an initiative? If we in the religious community can show by example that we can co-exist, then Guyana would have benefited.
The television station will provide a service for all the religions of Guyana, indeed all the people of Guyana. The IRO calls on peoples of all faiths to support this initiative and silence the naysayers.
Yours faithfully,
Ronald Mc Garrell
Co-Chairman
