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The Hindu community feels aggrieved
Dear Editor,
Kaieteur News – Please permit me to respond to Tony Viera’s 18 June 2025 letter that was carried in the Stabroek News under the caption, “Jailing of Baby Skello a violation of my and his rights.” Mr. Viera draws an analogy that he is willing to tolerate swearing [in movies] that invoke Jesus Christ and by extension, he is willing to accept Baby Skello’s “anti-Hindu” lyrics. While Mr. Viera did not state which of his rights were violated. Let me make it abundantly clear to Mr. Viera; you do not have a right to receive or listen to anti-Hindu lyrics. Let me explain.
First, all rights are subject to limitations depending to the mores of the society. For instance, it is strictly prohibited to possess child pornography. One cannot possess such images. Similarly, it is for our courts to consider the societal factor in Guyana to determine what is appropriate and what is beyond the pale.
Second, Mr. Viera, either deliberately or inadvertently, ignored the Guyana Constitution [that many who will seek its protections usually describe derogatorily as the Shahabuddeen-Burnham Constitution]. Under Chapter 38F, the Constitution provides, “No person’s religion or religious beliefs shall be vilified.” While Mr. Viera is acculturated by Hollywood, Hindus in Guyana are acculturate by Bollywood. I am yet to see a Bollywood movie that denigrates a Hindu deity. And I doubt one is forthcoming.
Third, the Guyana Constitution affords Baby Skello, under Chapter 146, Protection of Freedom of Expression. However, that freedom is circumscribed. Under Chapter 146(3), “Freedom of expression in this article does not relate to hate speeches or other expressions, in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against any person or class of persons.” The Hindu community feels aggrieved. Baby Skello’s artistic freedoms are limited by our constitution and Mr. Viera does not have an unlimited right to listen or possess lyrics that are offensive and is capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against Hindus.
Sincerely,
Roger Ally
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