THE position of a marriage officer is significant and is appointed after being recommended by the religious body to which he belongs. He is expected to solemnise marriages within the law and at all times execute his function with honour and dignity. In simple, the legislation of the marriage is preceded by the religious beliefs to which the couple subscribe; persons therefore, who are Priest within the Hindu, Muslim and Christians religions are so appointed.

Pandit Persaud who addressed the recent seminar of priests on legal marriages declared that the priest must at all times ensure that there is compliance of the law. He recalled that the Registrar General has been receiving reports of breaches and some of these have been brought to his attention. He said it ought to be understood that if an organisation can recommend a person to be appointed as marriage officer the institution can equally recommend the revocation of the appointment.

Mr. Persaud said he did not want to give an undertaking for a Priest outside of the Hindu fold, but assures that anyone recommended by his organisation is expected to carry out his functions with honour and dignity.

He then pointed to certain basic requirements before a legal marriage can be carried out.

The law does not permit a Justice of the Peace to perform marriages. Only a person who is appointed a marriage officer can legalise a marriage. The Laws of Guyana permit marriages only between a male and female. Mr. Persaud told the gathering that it is advisable that all officers study the relevant laws so that breaches would not be committed.

Pandit Persaud feels that all the organisations from which marriage officers emerge should hold training programmes at intervals for their priest and to do simple handouts on the legal and other requirements so that we can have informed and knowledgeable individuals serving the important institution of marriage.

The Registrar General deserves commendation for her interest in these matters and for initiating seminars and training programmes which is supported by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Persaud said.