WHEN I read Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s announcement that a 24-hour religious channel was in the works, my first question was: “Why?”Because of who I am, I instinctively question anything concerning religion; and because I know of this reaction, I took some time to think about the benefits that could possibly come out of such a channel. But at the end of it, my question was still: “Why?”

Why should the government of a secular state be promoting religion when its position should remain neutral? The issue of the 24-hour religious channel with the Inter-Religious Organization (IRO) is one which goes back close to a decade. After individual attempts by various religious bodies to get broadcast licences, those bodies came together as one in order to have a multi-religious channel. They brought this decision to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who indicated that they would be provided a licence and some funding for their channel. For reasons largely remaining on the speculative side of things, that venture thankfully fell through the cracks.

We, as a people, are all fallible to our own biases, hopes and wants; and as philosophically beautiful as the coming together of various faiths is, I predict that the station would leave a lot to be desired, not only by the viewers, but by those groups invested in the station as well. With dozens of religious points of view and denominations, particularly in Christianity, I foresee many conflicts arising in terms of who gets airtime when and for how long, and who decides all of this. Is it a matter of which religion happens to be the most popular in the state? The one which is better represented?

I am also very concerned about the content, which would presumably be left up to the IRO, given that the majority of members have largely conservative views that can actually hinder peace rather than encourage it.

Peace is something the Prime Minister said he is in pursuit of with this channel. Honestly, I do not see how, with leaders such as Rev. Ronald McGarrell — who once said “society needs to be protected from homosexual behaviour” — and a majority of narrow-minded beliefs about women, any kind of tangible peace can be fostered in an already largely divisive culture.

The IRO, as a religious entity, is free to apply for a broadcast licence, and go through the same process as everyone else seeking one. To do anything short of that would put the state in hot water, as Government cannot suppress religion.
More of Akola Thompson’s work can be found on her website, akolathompson.com. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send them to akolathompson@hotmail.com.