Dear Editor,
With reference to the GC, September 1, ‘Learn about the customs of others’, I thank President David Granger for the mild but stern advice to Pandit Tillack. I feel very comfortable that the advice for him to educate himself about other cultures came from the President as a former military man; we know that in the army there was no room for such divisive platforms. As buddies in arms army men ate from the same mess tin, drank from the same cup, protected each other’s backs, learned of each other’s customs and cultures, respected each other so that we can give our best services to people like Pandit Tillack. The combined customs did not allow for betrayal. Instead it made us more respectful of each other.
In the past I would have been apologetic about expressing myself the way I have today, but at some point in time confrontation is a necessity. Pandit Tillack culturally betrayed the Indigenous peoples; I hope he did his research well. If he has not I will begin his first session of being ‘culturally educated’.
President Granger was reported as saying: “Recently, I was at Blairmont. I went to a Hindu Mandir. There was a ceremony; I learnt a lot about the ritual surrounding the worship of Lord Hanuman and I think other ethnic groups should do that – learn about the rites and customs of other cultures”. The Head of State noted that it is only through education that people can enhance their understanding of each other’s culture, understanding of religion and of ethnic groups.
“So there is no place for ignorance; once there is ignorance there is going to be misunderstanding and conflicts,” the President said, noting too that the best people to speak about their own culture are the people themselves”. Well said, and many thanks to the President.
Pandit Tillack surely does not know that it was once an East Indian custom to engage in child marriage, and that in India it still takes place. Our Indigenous cultures and practices do not permit pre-arranged and forced marriages.
I am questioning what process our Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs employed to select such a brilliant but divisive scholar. Pandit Tillack’s presentation was misleading and completely out of context; he should not have been there in the first place. I stand firmly with my Indigenous brothers and sisters at this time, I would like to see some response to this incident from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs. I implore my fellow Guyanese to come and join with us and enjoy what we have to offer.
Yours faithfully,
Ashton Simon
President
National Amerindian Development
Foundation
