Dear Editor
I was somewhat bemused to see the notice in SN of February 21 from the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) declaring Sunday, March 12 a public holiday in respect to the Hindu Festival of Phagwah.
This announcement is over three weeks in advance. There is nothing wrong with making this announcement well in advance, but I cannot help but feel, given last year’s conflict, discord and confusion as to the true date for the observance of this festival, MoPS thought it best to get the first jump just in case the other side, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), had ideas in announcing its own date (not that I have heard of a different date from GHDS or any public outcry to the contrary).
So why did the MoPS think it was necessary to make this public announcement now?
Editor, I do not recall seeing a notice for the Republic anniversary holiday on 23 February 2017.
Yours faithfully,
Shamshun Mohamed
