Social commentator GHK Lall has raised concerns about President Irfaan Ali’s frequent presence in religious spaces, while also questioning what he described as the limited public voice of religious leaders on national issues.
In his column titled “The Irfaan Ali Invasion,” Lall pointed to what he sees as the president’s growing visibility across Guyana’s religious landscape.
“Look around. Put ear to the ground. Scout about cyber territory. There it is. There he is. Ali, Ali, Ali. Ali in the masjid. Ali in the temple. Ali in the Church… Ali for Eid. Ali for Navratri. Ali due on Palm Sunday, maybe throughout Holy Week,” Lall wrote.
Using a tone of irony, he added: “My fellow Guyanese, it is my blessing to present His Majesty, Ali the Holy. Two divine words fit him perfectly. Ubiquitous and omniscient (all over and all knowing).”
While acknowledging that the president has the right to attend places of worship, Lall suggested that the pattern raises broader questions about the role of religious institutions and their engagement with public issues.
“Pres. Ali, the man Ali, has every right to go wherever he pleases, is welcomed, in Guyana… So, how is it that the preachers are nowhere to be heard?” he asked.
Lall expressed the view that some religious leaders may be reluctant to speak out, suggesting that their engagement with political figures could be influencing their public posture. “What happened to the voices of men and women called to spiritual service? Oh, I see… stay silent so that they can collect,” he wrote.
He also reflected on the role of religious leadership in addressing societal challenges, including issues affecting vulnerable groups. “When women are attacked, and children are abused, the wrathful voices… should return the favor,” Lall stated.
The columnist further observed what he described as a growing overlap between political activity and religious spaces. “From president to ministers have fanned out and are more in the houses of worship than the names of the Savior Jesus, the Prophet Mohamed, and Mother Laxmi,” he wrote.
In closing, Lall contrasted what he sees as effective political strategy with the expectations of religious leadership. “Congratulations to Pres. Ali for getting his own priorities right. Shame and disgrace… to Guyanese ayatollahs, gurus, and padres. Showmanship takes over. Honest shepherding falls away.”
The column contributes to ongoing discussion about the intersection of politics, religion, and public accountability in Guyana.
