The Ethnic Relations Commission is greatly concerned about public events that bring disrepute to religious holidays and observances they attach themselves to.
In a release yesterday, the ERC announced that it has taken “keen note” of a particular public event that it says promotes the use of alcohol, as well as the viral Facebook posts and comments that it feels, disrespects the reenactment of a Hindu God ‘Vishnu’ on a motorcade.
The ERC referred to an event entitled “Festival of Lights Linkup”, scheduled to be held in Charity, Essequibo on November 13, which is the date set aside as the National Holiday for Diwali. The Commission made it clear that the various acts flagged are “contrary” to the observances of Diwali, a Hindu religious holiday set aside for reverence, self-introspection, and worship.
According to the release, the ERC is empowered under Article 212D of the Constitution of Guyana to, among other things, “Ensure and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society.” And with this in mind the ERC announced that it is conducting a “thorough” investigation and will take “stringent measures to hold those accountable for their acts of religious intolerance.”
The ERC wants the public to understand that Diwali is a religious festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil but, moreover, it is also a day dedicated to abstinence from meat, alcohol, and vices. As such it is calling on promoters to be more “cognisant of the religious insensitivity” that comes with promoting events that venerate the consumption of alcohol and partying under the same banner of religious holidays.
The Commission also wishes to also remind everyone that Diwali and all other religious holidays are of “great spiritual significance,” and therefore, using these occasions to “desecrate the beliefs and practices of our brothers and sisters erodes the moral fibre of our Guyanese society.”
The ERC therefore urges all Guyanese to do their part in promoting harmony and good relations among all, the release added.
