I humbly ask Mr. Mark Archer,  for whom is he speaking? Is he a Muslim? Is he a scholar of literature? Does he understand the use of symbolism? I am really looking forward for a response from this ‘dishonourable,’ erstwhile army man. I think that Mr. Archer’s concern should be more self-focused. His history is highly tarnished and his sweeping generalisations are most unwelcomed. If Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali cites Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s statement as causing “…damage to the Muslim community, and (that it) was aimed at creating division and mischief and casting Guyanese Muslims in a negative light,” then his proposition is as valid as your defence, Mr. Ex-soldier. Many times politicians are not merely literal (just like the Ali Baba story). However, it is the illocutionary force that must be taken into account (I have a feeling that is what Minister, Irfaan had in mind).  To make matters very simple for you Mr. Archer, let me put it this way.
“Once upon a time, my teacher left the class to visit the headmaster. We (in the class room) started with our usual noise making. About five minutes later, the class prefect quietly said that the teacher was on her way back. All of a sudden, the class became quiet.”
You get the point Sir? The prefect was not disseminating information. She was telling us to be quiet now,fun time over. I honestly and hastily recommend a rudimentary course in English Literature for you.
Secondly, as intimated in my opening paragraph, I ask on whose behalf are you speaking? The Islamic tradition (of all religious ones) is held in great awe. In fact, one occasion, in Iran, a British school teacher had her students name a teddy bear Muhammad. Her honest intention was to convey the idea of love, that is, the Holy Prophet, Muhammad must not be seen in a gladiatorial-like manner. I think you know the story: she was almost stoned. I am wondering what Dr. Roopnaraine’s speech would have engendered in Yemen or Iran. I suggest that the Muslims of Guyana make their own defence.
I close by saying that I think  it is not the minister who is trying to create controversy. I think it is you. You should explain why Dr Roopnaraine, a distinguished scholar, and a man of letters, used that kind of language. One cannot be as dogmatic as you, Mr. Archer, in telling the public what was the import of Dr Roopnaraine’s use of the Ali Baba story.  He could have found another metaphor. So I suggest that Dr. Roopnaraine defend himself.