In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, former Mayor of Georgetown and prominent Hindu leader Pandit Ubraj Narine is calling on the Irfaan Ali-led administration to urgently provide proper facilities for Hindu worship along riversides and beaches, citing a recent incident at Unity Beach as evidence of continued disregard for the faith and practices of the Hindu community in Guyana.
The statement follows what Narine described as a “painful reminder” of the challenges Hindus face in practicing their religion peacefully in public spaces. Without naming specific individuals involved in the incident, Narine emphasized that Hindus continue to be treated with “disregard” despite conducting their religious ceremonies with dignity and respect.
“[Sunday‘s] incident at Unity Beach is yet another painful reminder of how little recognition is given to the rights and spiritual practices of Hindus in our own country,” Narine stated. “Even as we act with the utmost dignity—cleaning our surroundings, maintaining peace, and showing respect for all—our faith continues to be treated with disregard.”
Narine, who also served in the Guyana Defence Force, appealed directly to the Government, particularly the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Office of the First Lady, to provide designated and covered spaces for pujas and religious rituals. He stressed that such facilities are essential to allow Hindus to worship without interference or disruption.
“We are calling on the Ali-led Government to take immediate action to construct designated sheds and facilities along our riversides and beaches so that Hindus can peacefully perform our sacred rituals and ceremonies without disruption or disrespect.”
The former mayor underscored that Hinduism, or Dharma, teaches values of cleanliness, peace, and mutual respect—principles that the community upholds during worship and in daily life. He added that it is only fair that such respect is reciprocated by those in leadership.
“Our Dharma teaches us cleanliness, respect, and peace. We live by these values, and we expect them to be upheld by those in leadership as well. No citizen should ever be made to feel unwanted or disrespected when practising their religion in a public space.”
Referring to what he sees as a systemic lack of accommodation, Narine criticized the government for denying Hindus even basic access to public amenities such as tents, arguing that this runs counter to Guyana’s claimed values of equality and unity.
“Our community has long contributed to the cultural, moral, and social foundation of this nation. To deny us access to a public tent for an hour of peaceful worship is not only unjust but also against the spirit of equality and unity that this country claims to uphold.”
Ending the statement with a firm message of solidarity, Narine warned that the Hindu community would not remain silent in the face of continued marginalisation.
“Let it be known: when it comes to our Dharma, we will unite and stand firm against any forces that seek to disrespect or suppress it. We do not ask for privilege—only for fairness, recognition, and the right to worship freely and peacefully in our homeland.”
Pt. Ubraj Narine, who holds the titles of Justice of the Peace and City of Georgetown’s former Mayor, remains an influential voice in both religious and civic spheres. His statement adds to growing public discourse about religious freedom, inclusivity, and state support for diversity in Guyana.
