Latest update February 7th, 2025 2:57 PM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

ERC encourages comprehension on Sangeeta Persaud Saga

Apr 17, 2010 News

Four days after she died following an “exorcism”, Sangeeta Persaud called ‘Sheena’ was buried.  Relatives and residents of her Canal Number Two community squabbled among each other. Her parents were accused of neglect of the 14-year-old and the teen had moved from relative to relative before being taken in under her grandmothers’ care, this is the case that the Ethnic Relations Commission intervened in, to settle the disputes in the community and circumstances surrounding her death.
According to the ERC, in a statement released on Thursday, the Commission is appalled at the letters and other publications in the media about its involvement in the issue and the efforts by some persons to cause division along ethnic and religious lines.
At a Press conference on Friday, April 9, chaired by ERC Chairman, Bishop Juan Edghill and included the Pastors involved in the incident, the young woman’s mother, her foster father and another relative, the bishop stated that the aim of the Press Conference was to bring clarity to the issue surrounding the young woman’s death since the parents and relatives of the child were not pleased with the stories being published in the media. They claimed that the stories published were all misleading.
The Commission added that the conference was by no means “to cover-up an ugly and dastardly episode that is clamouring for an investigation and transparency” as claimed by one letter writer.
The Commission highlighted that among its 24 functions as outlined by the Constitution of Guyana is to “encourage and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society”.
According to the ERC,  the  incident was seen as one of a religious conflict as explained by the relatives of Sangeeta Persaud, thus, the ERC was asked to get involved. It was a matter where the community was against the family embracing Christianity. The ERC further disclosed that it is the Commission’s role in society to ensure that an individual or a group chooses and practices a religion or culture of his choice without any fear of discrimination.
The Chairman of the Commission called for a thorough investigation into the matter even though the post mortem results were inconclusive. The Commission will continue its work unhindered by anyone or any group whose opinion does not positively contribute to the promotion of harmony and good relations in Guyana, the ERC added.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | February, 3rd, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Corbin century, fast-bowlers give CCC lead as champs face stern Day 3 test

Corbin century, fast-bowlers give CCC lead as champs face stern Day 3...

Feb 07, 2025

2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 2…GHE vs. CCC Day 2 -Eagles (1st innings 166-6, Imlach 58*) trail CCC by 209 runs  Kaieteur Sports- Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) owned Day 2...
Read More
Powerlifting to kick off year with Novices/Juniors on February 16

Powerlifting to kick off year with...

Feb 07, 2025

North Essequibo cart off ECB Busta-sponsored T20 trophy

North Essequibo cart off ECB Busta-sponsored T20...

Feb 07, 2025

Construction progress of five New Stadiums, Palmyra leading the charge

Construction progress of five New Stadiums,...

Feb 07, 2025

Inclement weather forces BCB to halt cricket competitions in Berbice

Inclement weather forces BCB to halt cricket...

Feb 07, 2025

EBDCA/D&R Construction 40-Over Cricket Competition continues

EBDCA/D&R Construction 40-Over Cricket...

Feb 06, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]