Dear Editor,
In the Kaieteur News of February 17, in a report on the calls for the death penalty to be strictly enforced, it is reported that Bishop Juan Edghill stated that the death penalty was “not in conflict with our beliefs, and all of our religious teachings speak of punishment for such crimes”.
It is not the first time that Bishop Edghill has made sweeping statements about faith in Guyana, and it is regrettable that Hindu people especially would seek to have others speak for them. The issue of the death penalty in modern times is always up for debate, since its existence has not proved to deter murder in the states, which actively implement it.
The Hindu religion allows for discussion and debate about issues such as the death penalty. For many Hindus who are vegetarian because of respect for life, the issue of ahimsa applies when thinking about the death penalty. While references to killing convicts would exist in the writings, even the controversial Manusmrti states that as the human race evolves, the laws would change.
Any person wishing to speak on behalf of the Hindu religion should know that there are diverse beliefs, this article from Hinduism Today provides a good reference http://www. hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/10-12/58-63_punishment.shtml
Yours faithfully,
Vidyaratha Kissoon
