Dear Editor,
I write this letter not only as a concerned resident of West Coast Demerara (WCD) but also out of concern for the health of senior citizens and the vulgarity, violence and immorality that pass off as entertainment in our society for the youths.

Most recent is the “Grand BBQ and Lime Family Fun Entertainment” that was hosted Saturday night (December 16) at Tarla Dam, Meten-Meer-zorg which promoted vulgar music, disrespect for the community and its leaders, while managing to escalate into violence that led to the death of 44-year-old Amit Roy Jairam. Jairam was struck down by the same person who chopped and injured others, due to the deliberate, reckless and wanton driving of a 54-year-old minibus driver who is an ex-policeman of Stewartville, WCD.

Apparently not satisfied, the suspect returned in his vehicle and at a very fast rate struck down the other two victims who were among other persons attending to the injured. The victims, all unconscious, were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Health facility where they were treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

First, this lawlessness occurred not too far from the Meten-Meer-zorg east masjid and I would like to know which police office or NDC official gave permission for such an event, without notifying the masjid or residents in the area.

President David Granger and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, these are the type of things that must not be allowed to slip through the cracks, because it will evolve into something worst.

Next weekend there is another vulgar event at the same venue right opposite the mosque. The title of this event on a banner is “Split in De Middle All Black Party.” This event, as stated on the banner, is promoting vulgarity by awarding cash to a woman who does the “Split in the middle” while promoting noise pollution by seeking bus and cars that play the loudest music.[poster provided]

These are the types of things that are taken for granted and we wonder why our society has lost its moral compass and there is so much violence against women and their bodies. These are root causes for the disrespect.

How can the NDC or police give permission to such lawlessness within the division or even allow such events that promote disrespect to women in our society?

Sanctions must fall where they may, Mr. President and Security Minister. If this is not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is.

This is why residents fear weekends and holidays, as they are forced to be entertained by this unwanted vulgarity and lawlessness. Our children cannot study for crucial exams; our pets are terrified while we cannot even speak to our relatives in our own homes, as we are unable to hear each other properly.

We look forward to an early resolution of this problem as thousands of our peace loving and hardworking residents are affected.

If such an event in future ever be granted permission, then such event should be held in a zinc-fenced area and not in a public square, like in front of places of worship’

If last Saturday night’s event was held in a fenced area, then Amit Roy Jairam would have been alive today.

We the residents and the various religious groups are declaring that we don’t want any type of these activities in front places of worship. We are also demanding that the event permit for ‘split in the middle ‘on December, 23, 2017, should be rescinded, since it is less than 500 feet from a place of worship.

Imam Halim Khan