Guyana is a secular state

Oct 20, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
I am writing regarding a recent development with the government of Guyana and the Islamic Development Bank. I must state that Guyana is a secular state.
Secularism is a principle that involves two basic propositions. The first is the strict separation of the state from religious institutions. The second is that people of different religions and beliefs are equal before the law.
The separation of religion and state is the foundation of secularism. It ensures that religious groups don’t interfere in affairs of state, and makes sure the state doesn’t interfere in religious affairs.
I noticed a statement from your newspaper dated 17th Oct. 2016 stated that “The mandate of the Islamic Development Bank is to promote and foster socioeconomic development in our member country” under the headline, “Islamic Development Bank to sponsor dairy, fruit and processing plants.” My question is: Is Guyana a member country?
I hope our politicians can shed some light on this. Also please note that the Islamic Development Bank is operating their business based on Shariah Laws. This is a law every Guyanese and politician must know before entering into loan contracts. I am not making any criticism at all; just saying we must know how the bank operates.
I just hope these decisions our politicians are making don’t interfere with state or religious affairs now or in the near future since it does not apply to our constitution. I end by making it clear I am not in the least against the Bank’s assistance.
Vishnu Bhagwandin