Dear Editor,
As the dust slowly settles subsequent to the completion of the Caribbean Premier League 2022 version, followed by the much vaunted Carnival events, I must express my utter disgust over the fact that the aforementioned events were scheduled and coincided with the Great Hindu festival of Navratri during which the feminine aspect of god is propitiated. At the cricket we had some skimpily dressed young girls better known as cheer leaders gyrating in vulgar fashion. I am particularly concerned as well in regards to young children watching what kind of negative influence this must have on their impressionable minds.
We in the West Indies are real copy cats, why did we need to adopt this from North American sports? It is a most undesirable addition to the game and in my opinion the matches will still be well attended without this sideshow. No doubt there was a lot more alcohol and other drugs consumed during and after these events than would normally be the case in a country already beset by serious problems of alcohol abuse and increasing use of marijuana, cocaine and other similar substances.
During my brief remarks at the Gandhi Youth Organization’s Navratri observance I publicly stated that we Hindus are being disrespected by the authorities and coordinators of the infamous carnival. In particular, during one of our most auspicious spiritual observances, most devotees concurred with my observation. It is high time that we stand up and say ‘not again’ during any one of our Major Parbs (festivals), otherwise we Hindus must make our voices heard in no uncertain language that it will not be tolerated. If we need to protest to get the message across then we must do so.
I am wondering if these events were scheduled during the Eid or at Easter for example if the Christians and Muslims would not feel very offended? I am positive that the answer to my rhetorical question is yes. Consequently, I am asking the Government and cricket officials to make immediate plans to schedule cricket at an appropriate time for future tournaments, but more importantly, that the Government rethinks its decision to continue with the carnival event which clearly takes vulgarity and lewdness to a new level in a country beset by increasing violence against women and increasing instances of immoral conduct in the general populace.
Sincerely,
Chris Persaud
