The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) has said that it will never encourage or engage in any action that makes religion subservient. In a letter, IRO Co-chairman Reverend Ronald McGarrell said this is not in keeping with the principles of any of the religions associated with that organisation.
He made this comment following criticisms and claims from sections of society that the IRO will be subjected to government’s control through its recently approved inter- religious broadcasting channel.
The latest of these comments came from People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader Robert Corbin at a news conference. “It is time, however, for the religious community to effectively represent their interest, or the government will continue with increasing boldness to trample upon their rights,” he told reporters.
Robert Corbin
Corbin spoke of what he called government’s disregard for the constitution as it relates to the freedom of conscience of Guyanese. “The actions of the PPP/C administration in terminating the TBN television broadcasts in Guyana through a dedicated signal, and the announced intention to establish a government-controlled inter-religious broadcast channel border dangerously close to breaching the fundamental rights of citizens,” the party leader claimed.
He further stated that evidence of government’s control could be seen in its maintenance of the “unconstitutional” Ethnic Relations Commission, its refusal to pass legislation to establish a National Broadcast Authority, and its refusal to honour a High Court ruling to grant TV licences for private transmissions at Linden.
Former TV station owner and facilitator of the local TBN broadcasts, Anthony Vieira, also criticised the establishment of an inter-religious TV channel, claiming that, like the ERC, the IRO would become subservient to the PPP government.
But Reverend McGarrell said, “Such an action would be contrary to every known religious principle for which we stand.” He clarified that the recent decision taken by the members of the organisation to share space and resources to the benefit of all Guyana can be an example for other countries.
The IRO co-chairman further explained that many of the members had applied for individual broadcast licences, but these were not issued. “As a compromise, we agreed to collectively apply for a licence for a single station where we can reach our respective audiences. This has found favour with the government of Guyana,” he added.
According to the reverend, the TV station will provide a service for all religions of Guyana and, ultimately, citizens of this country. As such, the IRO is calling for Guyanese to unite in support of this initiative, which the executives of that body are hopeful will silence the naysayers.
Meanwhile, Reverend McGarrell questioned the motives behind the lack of support from some for an initiative that aims to harmonise the various religions in Guyana. “Why would anyone want to block the success of such an initiative? If we in the religious community can show by example that we can co-exist, then Guyana would have benefited.”
