MANY times we in Guyana brag of the religious tolerance practised in our country, but hardly have we taken notice when key public figures and primarily those of national institutions make public statements which seek to further ignite and fuel religious intolerance amongst us.

The reason of the foregoing has to do with the recent report by the Guyana Chronicle which related Colonel Bruce Lovell making a statement that to me manifests intolerance, disrespect and disregard to non-followers of the Bible.
Guyana Chronicle (online, 23:06) of December 6th, 2012 reported, “GDF passes out largest contingent in Basic Recruit Course 2012 – Ag. Chief of Staff urges recruits to ‘do the right thing’”, wherein reported not only the success GDF made in their Basic Recruit Course (BRC), but also reported were some of the thoughts expressed by the Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel Bruce Lovell in his speech. Colonel Lovell’s speech which was titled, “Being a witness for the Guyana Defence Force”—the Guyana Chronicle reported as follows: “Colonel Lovell said that in order to understand what is being a witness for the GDF; the Holy Bible must first be approached for guidance”. This is perfectly intolerant to other religious groups. Isn’t it? How can Colonel Lovell be so religiously biased on a public platform? Was he addressing a group of Christians/followers of the Bible? Are all soldiers whom he addressed Christians? Did the Chief-of- Staff not think of these things prior to his presentation?
Moreover, it did not call for such lines to be dealt with on the occasion of a national event—a ceremony from a national institution. Even if the Chief wanted to cite the importance of religious guidance in being a witness for the GDF, he should have made reference to at least the religious texts from the other major faiths to which the soldiers themselves belong. At least nothing in this regard was reported. But at the same time I do not see why a national institution such as the GDF would seek to delve along religious lines when to my understanding, their guidance and reference must come from the Guyana Constitution in general and other core standard procedures of the army. Also, most of a soldier’s duty must encompass patriotism. I am ready to be corrected in this regard if I am wrong.
Editor, our public officers must learn to be sensitive to matters of this nature when making public addresses. If not, we can never dream to live in a Guyana that is really a multi-religious one and one that practises religious tolerance, as we continuously hear. Are we really religiously tolerant?