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We don’t want this casino period!

Mar 11, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Relative to a report in the media and captioned HOW CAN A LICENCE BE GRANTED FOR A CASINO IN CHURCH STREET? A government release was expected but seeing that none so far reported, I hasten as a Muslim, beg to follow up on this action if, indeed it is so.
As a senior citizen in this country of my birth, I have always been aware of, for permission to be granted for any application by a citizen for public singing, dancing and gambling etc., must first be published in the media, by the authorities in case there will be any objections before the matter is determined. Has this been done? If so when and what dates of publication and only hope it was legally done. In any case this should be most reprehensible to the religious community of Guyana which enjoys religious freedom and practices under the Constitution of Guyana.
To begin with this report is a very big SURPRISE and Muslims have not heard of this before, and as I understand it, many religious peoples are now asking questions of what appears to be an attempt to keep this casino thing very quiet. We are very grateful to Bro Juman Yassin supported by the Imam of the Queenstown Masjid of bringing this matter to the attention of the public. In the case of Muslims, I quote the under- mentioned from the HOLY KORAN and is aware of similar expressions in the revelations from all the Prophets sent by Allah (God) to mankind, and especially believers.
It is clear from the above that the Muslims and have no doubt all religious denominations will protest this decision and further, it cannot be doubted that CITY PLANNERS over the past years, when naming the street between Water Street and Vlissengen Road running East to West had in mind that this should be named CHURCH STREET and indeed it has been used in accommodating the following religious edifices,
1. East, Top of the Street Catholic Church (Fatima)

2.Middle between Oronoque and New Gardens, Queenstown Jumu’ah Masjid for Muslims

3. Oronoque and Church Streets, Seventh-Day Adventist Church

4. Acrossof  Meriman Mall South of Church Street, Church of Christ

5. Church and East Streets, Assembly of God

6.WestTop of Church Street, St. George’s Cathedral
In answer to Mr. Eric Phillip’s letter in the Stabroek News of March 8th, the religious leaders could only get involved in matters brought to their attention when it affects religion, or related matters.
The question of parking was raised by Mr. Phillips; we must however let you know that parking space on the Merriman Mall for our Masjid was given years ago for Muslims and members of the Seventh Day Adventist  to park especially for Fridays and Ramadan and other Festivals and Saturdays. The City Council took it back without our knowledge for a playground which was meant to be opposite the new hotel, but as we are told because of an objection by the hotel, the playground was constructed in front of the Masjid instead, after protesting they promised us parking, a facility which we are still awaiting. Please read through the lines and see if we have not been discriminated against, now that this casino information has come to light.
Mr. Editor, don’t we have enough social troubles in Guyana, with SUICIDES, RAPES, CRIMES, ALCOHOLICS ETC., why then should we have more with gambling when the religious peoples are trying to do their best to bring back to Guyana the STATUS QUO as we know it to be as taught and practiced by our forefathers. “OUR NEW GOVERNMENT”, take note and remedy this situation, PLEASE!!!

S.M.V. Nasseer                                                                                                                                                                                             
Chairman-Bait-ur-Rahma                                                                                                                                                                                 
Queenstown Jumu’ah Masjid Compound                                                                                                                                          
Church Street

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