Devil talk is sacrilegious

I am finding it very difficult to understand why the Chairman of the United National Congress is flaunting his utter disregard for matters relating to God and religion.

Lately, Mr Panday has been using terms considered by religious people all over the world to be sacrilegious and downright blasphemous. His constant repetition of "sleeping with the devil" is really saying that he is willing to have sex with Satan in order to get whatever he wants politically.

While Mr Panday is free to sleep with whomever he wishes, he is not free to continue his wanton disrespect for all God-fearing people in this land.

Added to this most diabolical platform and political behaviour is the fact that personalities like Jack Warner has been making direct reference to Mr Panday’s utterances as though this type of speech is grand. I must advise Mr Jack Warner that this is most unbecoming of people who aspire to be statesmen. Further, it is an insult to all the religious people in this country who harbour a deep respect for things pertaining to religion.

Added to this most unfortunate development is the fact that no one in the "Ecclesiastical Order" has come out and addressed the problem. Reverend Cyril Paul who represents the Inter-Religious Organisation should make a public comment on this and send a clear message to members of the United National Congress that they will not be allowed to disrespect the name of God and the practice of religion in this country. Mr Ganga Singh, Robin Montano and Roy Augustus are all currently facing public odium, scorn, and contempt by certain members of the UNC for their response to these series of statements.

I am calling on Mr Panday to publicly apologise to Trinidad and Tobago, and to the Parliament for his careless use of theological terms, which demonstrates a total disrespect for religion, and our nation’s core beliefs and principles of faith.

I am also calling on leaders of religion of all faiths to respond to this issue with urgency.

Moreso, I am calling on all God-fearing citizens to reject this behaviour and shun any man in government who has no regard and respect for spiritual things.

We are still living in Trinidad and Tobago, a nation whose anthem and pledge still honour the name of God. Be very careful what you ask for Mr Panday.

SHAMMY C SAMAROO

Lee University/USA