Dear Editor,

I read with much concern the attempts by the CIOG to get the minister to defer Mashramani celebrations in order to facilitate their holiday.

Although, I empathise with my muslim brothers and sisters over the unfortunate clash of the two holidays I cannot sit and allow our constitution to be ignored.

Article 1 states that Guyana is a secular state which means that no religion can impose their religious celebration on the nation, moreso a national holiday.

Mashramani is a national holiday where all Guyanese despite colour, religion or creed come together and enjoy themselves, therefore it should not be tampered with.

However in the spirit of compromise, the Minister should find a way, like changing the route, to prevent the disruption of the Muslim activities.