We must say no to racism

THE EDITOR: Citizens who are racial are uneducated. An educated person is someone who is widely read and has acquired the vital human skills for interaction. Simply obtaining a sound primary and secondary education does not guarantee that the individual can fit harmoniously into the society in which he or she lives. Citizens who are racial must broaden their minds by voracious reading of the cultures of the ethnic groups which they hate with an undeniable passion. One needs to underscore the fact that many individuals who have succeeded with high academic qualifications are actually “educated fools.”

The fear of knowing about one’s cultural background has always been one of the major causes of racism. This fear is usually promoted by devious individuals whose primary objective is the fulfilling of their own selfish agendas. Division that has been the root cause of terrorism within our nation cannot bear positive fruit. It must be expeditiously plucked out and replaced by attributes of unity, tolerance and productivity. A nation that breathes racism and division cannot go forward. It is like that of a top that is spun in mud. Soon the spirit of community life will be vanquished and production will grind to a halt. The Holy Book of Revelation reminds us that in these closing times the spirit of the living God is restless and annoyed as it moves over this land.

It is however shocking to note that hundreds of “church-going activists” are agents for the separation of God’s people, in what was once referred to as a rainbow country. God, the beloved Father of all races, never discriminates but sees all people as His people. The devil is the agent of hate and separation. We therefore need to exercise extreme caution in our choice of masters. There is a dire need for the spirit of reconciliation before we lay our gifts on the sacred altar. Equality and even-handedness must be practised in our nation. All churches must begin preaching on topics relating to racial unity. All citizens must take a stand against racism and allow their voices to be heard throughout the length and breadth of this land.

LINDSEY L RAMPERSAD
Tacarigua