Indian Arrival Committee was founded by UG students

Dear Editor,
In his column in KN of June 23, 2008, Freddie Kissoon took the liberty of making absurd comments on things which he knows nothing about.

He wrote: “The second fact may be more important, because when you know it then you tend to dismiss the type of organization like the IAC. It is a PPP front founded by high-ranking members of the PPP. But, alarmingly, the existence of the IAC reminds us of paramountcy of the party under the PNC.
“The IAC is fitted out with public money… Which is worse, the Stabroek News cartoon or paramouncy of the party?”

Well Freddie, let me tell you a thing or two about the IAC.

The Indian Arrival Committee was founded by a group of University of Guyana students some time in 2003, myself included, guided by one lecturer. This group spun out from some members of the University of Guyana Hindu Society (UGHS). UGHS is a society which has in the past embraced and accepted students of all races and/or religions on campus; that too we have the facts to support.

The IAC first raised money at its inaugural mela at Everest ground in 2003, and has been doing so yearly ever since. I clearly remember that rainy night when the giant backdrop was erected by us for the 2003 mela.
Yours faithfully,
Nishal Ramnarine