Hypocritical letter from WARD

THE EDITOR: With review of your commentary page on your daily newspaper, the Newsday dated January 7, 2004 page 11, I must comment on the remarks made by the WARD Association (Women Against Racism and Dictatorship), which truly should mean “Women Aiding Racial Disharmony.” It is too ridiculous to accuse Ms Belfon of defiling the sari by her performance at the Queen’s Park Savannah because it was just mere entertainment; something that all races enjoy. Unless, evidently you are from the WARD’s association. Why is it then acceptable for East Indians to perform at their soca Chutney Monarch in saris, gyrating their waist in all directions in a somewhat vulgar manner? Take for example Drupatee and Ricki Jai in their performances in Soca and Chutney competitions to win expensive cars and money prizes. Therefore, they too are defiling your “sacred sari.” So, I beseech of you and your member of your WARD Association to have respect for yourselves, in order to gain the respect of others.

As for calling Trinidadian cultural music, (Soca), “ear splitting cacophony,” I am deeply offended as a “Trini to the Bone” advocate. Is it because you do not fully understand Soca music? A fair population of Trinidadians don’t interpret Chutney Music but needless to say, we don’t take pleasure in ridiculing its culture by saying it is “harsh noise.” I am totally displeased by this remark and you and your Ward Association should be educated on the culture of soca before making senseless statements. It is by high time this racial nonsense come to a cease!

MARIA DWARIKA
Port-of-Spain