PLEASE permit me space in your newspaper Mr. Editor, to voice my concerns over the recent news article by your Region 2 correspondent. It is through this forum also that I call not only for peace within this multicultural nation but also tolerance for the belief of others.

In your March 21, 2013 issue of the Chronicle newspaper, I came across an article whereby one Mr. Prabhulall seems annoyed at certain comments made by a Muslim scholar who stated that the Lord told his followers to pray just as he did and he would proceed with the Lord’s Prayer. I took the trouble myself and found this out to be true.
The very book I looked up was “The Holy Bible” that had ‘Authorised King James Version’ written on its first page. Now I will not provoke the situation by asking whether or not this version is true or false. Let me now state the direct references: [Matthew 6:9-13 – Luke 11:2-4]. Mr. Editor, in a nation that is multicultural, how can we not expect to have different religions? Will the followers of other religions apart from Christianity be hanged if they state their beliefs or opinions openly?
I am truly dissatisfied by all that has occurred with regard to this televised lecture. Through the article, I became aware that a phone call was placed by the Anna Regina police to the television channel in question apparently to satisfy others who were displeased by the man’s words. Here, I must bring to all of Guyana’s population that religion is televised everywhere. Everyone has something that they believe in. I will not condemn someone who doesn’t believe in my religion simply because I do not believe in theirs! That will be preposterous! Verily, there are critics of every religion, race, or for just simply being human but does that mean one should be stopped from saying what one believes? I have not seen in all my years a Muslim trying all means to stop a Christian programme, or a Hindu doing so or a Rastafarian just to name a few. Everyone wants to know that what they believe in is the only truth. That I can accept, but is it not an insult to use means to stop others from what they are saying just because you do not agree?
The whole issue about religion is truly a touchy area. I do not wish for a squabble, hence this will be my only letter concerning this incident. I, however, wish that there are other open-minded Guyanese or readers who can understand my views. Mr. Editor, it is my humble request that we all call for the tolerance of others and more so the religious backgrounds of others. Let us all think with a clear conscience and stop this attack on each other. We should live in peace and harmony and strive for a better nation, a better world.

Editor’s note-We carried an apology in our Friday March 22, 2013 edition.