Dear Editor,
This is in reference to your news items (SN, May 23, 24, 25) on the Manchester terror attack. I do not know anyone (friend or family) who was directly affected by the latest terror attack, but I spoke with several Guyanese in the UK since that suicide bombing and they are all concerned and edgy about this massacre and the recent spate of terror attacks across Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, etc). They inform me that Guyanese, the two Indo Guyanese oriented Masjids included, stand with the government and the victims. As noted below, Manchester is closer to our heart than we think because of various connections to it.
Terrorists, affiliated with IS and other radical groups, have been targeting mass congregations in Western cities like Manchester. We must join the world in condemning this violence that claims so many innocent lives and we must stand united with the people of UK and other countries that are affected by terror.
Although we (Guyanese) are far away from attacks in Europe, we are indirectly affected by all terrorist activities (irrespective of location) carried out by radical Islamists. These violent assaults affect us psychologically and mentally, and they make travel more difficult, uncomfortable and costly. In addition, more money will have to be shelled out to pay for airport security and to attend concerts or eat out. The attacks killed and maimd so many and have left an indelible scar on the minds of thousands.
There is a direct connection to Manchester and Guyanese as well as other West Indian people. Some Guyanese and their siblings are settled in Manchester. Cricket is very popular in Manchester and the West Indies has thousands of fans in the stands whenever it plays there. Raw materials from Guyana ended up in Manchester for factories, including our sugar, rice and lumber. Marxists make reference to Manchester. Many of us watch football, and Manchester United, which has had West Indian players, has countless fans among Guyanese. I was in Holland last month; Surinamese and Guyanese families flocked around the TV watching Manchester playing football. And in a recent visit to London, Guyanese were cheering for Manchester United.
We all have a part to play to help contain if not end the terrorism. We must join authorities everywhere to stop the planners and organizers of this radical violence.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
