Dear Editor,
A recent news item in our daily newspapers caused me to remember the biblical account of a woman accused of a sexual demeanor. Her accusers were poised to stone her, but Jesus advised that the one without sin should cast the first stone.
I’m referring to the account of the Burnham Foundation being denied, at the last moment, library space for their exhibition, even though permission, had been granted about three weeks previous. The explanation emanating from the institution claimed that they needed the facility for their own use, however, the Foundation concludes “…that a directive was handed down to the Librarian to disallow the mounting of the Exhibition…” (Stabroek News, Tues. May 24th, 2022). This was denied by the Chief Librarian, even though it was reported that when asked if they would be allowed to use the foyer after the Library’s exhibition would have ended (June 3rd ), she responded:” That is a question I choose not to answer my dear”. (Stabroek News, Tues. May 24th 2022). Strange. I thought there would have been eager accommodation in light of the recently reneged commitment!
If, however, this assertion (with regard to a handed down directive) is true, it would be small-mindedness of the highest (or lowest) order to deny a non- governmental organization the opportunity of showcasing “Guyana’s two iconic leaders Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan” (Kaieteur News, Tues. May 24, 2022 as they give us a pictorial view of “Where it all began”.
If the assertion is true, are we saying that these iconic figures were so riddled with imperfections that their sterling contributions to Nation building cannot be appreciated?
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone…” John 8:7, said Jesus, “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last…” John 8:9
Yours faithfully,
Claudia Heywood
