SWAHA head cautions mas bandleaders

Hardeo Persad, has appealed to bandleaders to think carefully when designing Carnival presentations featuring symbols or articles of religious significance following the recent controversy regarding the appearance on stage of masqueraders in the “ApnaDesh” section of Cazabon- The Art of Living .

In a statement SWAHA Incorporated said the reaction to the portrayal from members of the Hindu community signals that there is need for deeper insight and appreciation for each other’s culture. It added that consultation and communication should be the route to avert such unfavourable consequences .

“SWAHA recommends that bandleaders acknowledge the prevailing emotions of our multi-religious and multi-cultural population and recognise the need for careful deliberation when conceptualising and realising their artistic manifestations .

In this regard, we suggest that wherever such presentations feature symbols or articles of religious significance, the likely impact on the sensitivities of the religious community to which these are of importance must be considered in order to clarify doubts and misconstrued concepts.” It said, “This will indeed help to safeguard freedom of expression and enhance the creative nature of the depictions, while preventing potentially deleterious effects to a particular religious grouping. Consultation brings enlightenment and fosters greater harmony within society. We can eliminate the confusion and reduce the divisiveness that already exists in our nation.”