Dear Editor,
I READ in Monday’s newspaper of the plight of the Port-of-Spain Mayor, whose words in regard to women’s dress during Carnival angered persons to such an extent that they have called for him to resign from his post.I would like to believe that it is not what he said that angered the masses, but when he said it. His timing was unfortunate! He spoke in response to “…the discovery of an unidentified female masquerader” (SN Mon. Feb 15th pg. 5), who was later identified as Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya. In that context, his comments could easily be taken/mistaken as “victim-blaming”.

Such tragedies must never be taken lightly! Murder; rape; violence of any sort against another human being, regardless of their choice of life style, should attract the condemnation of the entire citizenry, and must be met with the full force of the law! Nevertheless, we cannot ignore his words, even as we prepare to celebrate Mashramani!

In the context of Mashramani, I take the liberty of quoting and endorsing his words, as reported in the Monday, February 15th, edition of Stabroek News: “…women did not need to behave in a vulgar and lewd manner to enjoy themselves…” He continued: “I spoke of some of the things that I see women do, assisted by men, of course, but the woman has the responsibility that they ensure that they are not abused. You can enjoy Carnival (Mashramani – my insert) without going through that routine.” He added: “…women needed to maintain a level of dignity during Carnival (Mashramani – my insert) festivities.”

On another occasion, he was quoted as saying: “I see some women do some things with some men – nothing for the imagination, you can’t do that.”

He described some costumes as “unacceptable – almost like a beach party on the street…”
I urge my fellow Guyanese to celebrate with pride and dignity! I say to my fellow women: let’s command respect, and demand it also; though I realize that establishing and upholding standards of decency and discretion is the privilege and responsibility of BOTH MEN AND WOMEN!

Celebrating must not be equated with vulgarity! At the end of the day, we must all be able to hold our heads high as we, ‘diverse though our strains’, rejoice together in this our jubilee year!

CLAUDIA HEYWOOD