Dear Editor,
TODAY, Christmas, some may say X-Mas, some may say Yuletide. This is a celebration of many names, in Guyana is viewed as a commemoration for all religions. The Hindu deep into it, The Muslims not to be left out, the Rastafarians playing their part. Each, in effect, partaking in a Christian celebration, tolerance and respect. And it for this reason I write today of the need for tolerance by all; of the need [for] mutual respect for our brothers and sisters’ religious belief.

Recently, a media personality made some not-so nice comments about our Hinduism. Let me say this, my experience with the Hindu faith was nothing but pleasantly memorable. In medical school, our Hindu brothers and sisters, Vindi, Jeetoo, Chatterdeo, Avinash to name a few, would bring some of their celebratory sweet snacks for us. We would sit together, regardless of religion, as a class and just tuck into the goodies. At QC, a classmate of mine by the name of Tariq would invite me to his mosque where we would pray. He respected my Christianity while I respected his Islam. During the month of Ramadan, together as teenage friends, we would attend the Mosque to break fast. I lived in Victoria for about two years. The Rastafarians would have their religious celebration which would last for days. Of course, I was there. To me, that was a part of my religious edification. To consolidate those, I read books and spoke to my friends to have a better understanding of their religion. My daughter is fortunate, since as part of her  school curriculum, she does religious studies. She also has to attend the many different places of worship, appropriately dressed.

I am very passionate about tolerance, so I am not sure if I can make an unbiased assessment of what this TV personality said. What I can say that the views he expressed are discriminatory and an insult to our Hindu brothers and sisters. The gentleman rightly issued two apologies. I thought that was water under the bridge. That was not to be since he withdrew his apologies, live on radio, and repeated the discriminatory and offensive statements. The CEO saved the day and gave him a severe reprimand.

This gentleman expressed the view that Hinduism is responsible for the fatal crashes among other social ills in Guyana. Let me say this but, before I do, ask the forgiveness of our Hindu brothers and sisters. As a lad, I would go, with my friends, to the seawalls  and take the Hindu offering. We would take the fruits and moneys. I guess we did not know better. Also, as a lad, we would play the games ‘catcher’ and ‘hide- and-seek’. Around the Jandhi flags were our favourite to hide. I say this, with some embarrassment of the naughty things I did, to highlight the fact that the flags, the offering and the entire Hindu belief, is not about taking lives. If that were the case, then my friends and I would be long dead for the naughty stuff we did as lads. I do believe as a country we need to have an understanding of each other. Ignorance is the main reason underpinning bigotry. For that gentleman who made those offensive comments on Hinduism, I would recommend that he broadens his religious journey. Learn about Hinduism, Islam, etc. You may find out that we have more in common than difference. To our Hindu brothers and sisters, please be reassured that most of Guyana respect your religion as you respect ours. As we celebrate Christmas, regardless of our religion, I pray that we demonstrate tolerance to those [who] may worship differently to us. I pray that, for the new year, we take that spiritual journey where we allow ourselves that opportunity to understand other religions. To all Guyanese, I pray that your Christmas is filled with joy, reflection and oil.

Regards
Dr. Mark Devonish