Dear Editor,
Firstly, I wish to thank Ms S Nageer for highlighting this issue.
On the assumption that it did occur, it is imperative for the Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine to launch an immediate investigation to get to the bottom of this matter as this flies directly in the face of a pronouncement made by Dr Roopnaraine shortly after he was appointed, when he was quoted in the press as denouncing attempts by various school heads to have only Christian prayers said at assembly meetings in the public school system. Whoever took the decision to allow this abomination should be disciplined, if not fired.
Minister Roopnaraine must note as a Hindu I have no confidence in Minister Nicolette Henry following her failure to appreciate the difference between Diwali and Phagwah during a recent presentation she made at a public forum.
I have been very concerned about this issue, having seen for myself while at school that various headmasters tried in subtle or even overt ways to force students of other denominations to recite Christian prayers. Given that approximately 50 per cent of the population are Non-Christian, this situation is most untenable and must not be allowed to continue.
Editor, I would like to throw out the question via your medium as to how it is possible for so many young male Caucasian missionaries to be granted visas/work permits to carry out their proselytisation activities which is certainly an affront to myself as a Hindu.
I look forward eagerly to hear from the Education Minister on this, along with the Public Security and Social Cohesion Ministries, as if this type of “Colonisation” is allowed to continue it will definitely breed resentment on the part of other denominations.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Persaud
