The Sangeeta Persaud tragedy

Apr 07, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
The letter from Prem Misir dated April 4, 2010, relating to Sangeeta Persaud has prompted me to respond to this shocking tragedy.
Although what Prem Misir said is true and meaningful, I think that he failed to address the real issue. I remember as a kid during the colonial days, when people of all denominations looked up to their priests to cure all kinds of illnesses.
Our ancestors brought this tradition from India and Africa a long, long time ago. But, at this age and time it is shocking to learn that some people still live with those beliefs and that priests are still allowed to perform these rituals.
Sangeeta did not die because of poverty or by her conversion to Christianity. She died because there are still people and priests out there who believe in spiritual healing rather than medical treatment.
From the media reports, the stomach of this beautiful young girl was pulverized by a priest, inside a church, until she bled from her private parts, which eventually lead to her death.
Prem Misir said that the media reports seem to suggest that the episodes leading up to Sangeeta’s demise leave many unanswered questions, and that hopefully, there would be some probe into this tragedy. I too hope that there would be some urgent probe into this tragedy.
The Government also should take some blame, and enact legislation with a view to put an end to all kinds of spiritual healing by priests. Many people love and respect their priests, and they put a lot of faith and trust in them.
But, priests are just human beings and have absolutely no kind of healing powers.
As Prem Misir said, the high dependence syndrome of the poor makes them vulnerable and gullible. Priests take advantage of this situation and prey (not pray) on their innocent congregation.
Hindus, Muslims and Christians should not allow the death of Sangeeta to go in vain. They must understand that gone are the days of ‘Narah’, ‘Jumbie’, ‘Dutchman’, ‘Sprit’, ‘Old Higue’ etc. and that Pandits, Imams and Priests cannot cure illnesses. They are not doctors.
The Government of Guyana has made great improvements to health care, which is easily available. Hospitals and health centres are all over the place and this is where the sick should go for treatment.
I hope that the parents and the grand parents of Sangeeta learn from this tragedy and work to educate their neighbours and friends to take their sick always to the hospital instead of the church.
S. Majeed

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