Attorney General Anil Nandlall has condemned what he described as a troubling rise in religious intolerance, following a wave of criticism he received after visiting a mosque, warning that such behaviour threatens Guyana’s long-fought tradition of unity and coexistence.
Speaking on his Issues in the News programme on Tuesday evening, Nandlall used the incident to make a broader appeal for religious tolerance, reminding citizens that the freedoms Guyanese enjoy today were secured through struggle and sacrifice.
The Attorney General revealed that after attending a mosque, he was met with what he called “an outpouring of hate and criticism” on social media, including extreme comments inciting violence against him.
“One post was calling for me to be stoned to death because I attended a mosque,” Nandlall said, describing the comment as a dangerous example of religious intolerance.
He noted that such reactions are unprecedented in his nearly three decades of public life.
“These things never used to happen before in this country,” he said, attributing the attacks to coordinated efforts involving fake online profiles spreading hostility and division.
Nandlall stressed that his attendance at places of worship across religions is nothing new, pointing out that he has long visited mandirs, churches, and mosques throughout Guyana.
“I have been going to mosques all my life. I was married into a Muslim family for nearly 20 years. These are not new things,” he said.
Beyond his personal experience, the Attorney General used the moment to highlight Guyana’s unique cultural and religious landscape, where multiple faiths are observed simultaneously and often collectively.
He pointed to ongoing and upcoming observances—including Ramadan, Lent, Phagwah, Navratri, Easter, and Eid—as evidence of a society where diversity is celebrated peacefully.
“These commingling religious activities are being done in peace, dignity, unity, love, camaraderie and brotherhood,” he said. “We must never take this state of affairs for granted.”
Nandlall reminded listeners that Guyana’s religious freedoms were not easily won, referencing the struggles of past leaders such as Dr Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan, along with countless others who sacrificed their lives and liberty.
“Many died, many suffered, many sacrificed so that we can enjoy this admixture of culture and religion,” he said.
He contrasted Guyana’s harmony with ongoing conflicts around the world, where religion continues to fuel violence and division.
“There are places right now where wars are being fought in the name of religion—people are dying, families are being destroyed,” he said.
Against that backdrop, Nandlall warned that even small acts of intolerance can escalate into wider societal conflict if left unchecked.
“Today it is me. Tomorrow it could be someone else—perhaps a Muslim attending a Hindu mandir or a Hindu visiting a church,” he cautioned.
The Attorney General called on all Guyanese to reject and condemn any form of religious hostility, stressing that the country’s constitutional rights—including freedom of religion, expression, culture and dress—must be actively protected.
“We must stand up when we see the ugly head of division,” he urged. “We must not allow this type of insularity and divisiveness to enter our peaceful environment.”
He concluded with a firm appeal for unity and vigilance.
“Religious intolerance must never, ever be encouraged or condoned by us,” Nandlall said.
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