Dear Editor,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief, Mr David de Caires.  He was a compassionate man and a strong supporter of letters to the editor that benefited animals.  He will be greatly missed.

It seems as though the meaning of Diwali − festival of lights − is being replaced by ‘festival of terror’ for many of us. I cannot begin to share my anger over what happened during Diwali. My favourite night of the year was turned into a fear of joining large crowds. The tranquillity and beauty of lighted diyas and coloured electric lights were turned into pure madness, and not just in one location but across the city. Once the diyas burned out the significant meaning of Diwali seemed to evaporate.

There is plenty of blame to go around: the unthinking/uncaring young men seeking excitement who got away with throwing squibs and other explosive devices; the unprepared police force which proved unable to control the mobs; the decision-makers who allow squibs and other explosive devices to be imported; and the parents who choose to turn a blind eye to the mischief their children are involved in. However, the real culprits are the greedy and thoughtless businessmen who import and sell such fireworks. How can they sleep comfortably knowing full well that their greed causes babies and young children to jump, scream and cry; the elderly to become nervous and stressed out; and family pets to run away, seeking shelter from the madness descending around them. Well Mr Businessman, I do hope you will accept responsibility and stop importing all types of explosive devices. Hopefully, religious leaders, police, parents, teachers, opposition leaders, our President and ministers, and others will condemn this madness and address it before the Christmas season, just two months away. The police must act to find out who is bringing in these items and deal with them severely.   The GSPCA (The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) should initiate an ongoing public awareness programme, informing the public on best practices for protecting their pets from the loud noises caused by squibs, for example, keeping your animals in a safe and soundproof area with a radio or TV turned on.

“To educate our people, and especially our children, to humane attitudes and actions toward living things is to preserve and strengthen our national heritage and the moral values we champion in the world.”- John F. Kennedy
Yours faithfully,
Syeada Manbodh