Former Mayor of Georgetown and Hindu priest, Pandit Ubraj Narine, has issued a strong condemnation of what he describes as a “blasphemous” attack on Goddess Lakshmi by an individual using the name “Baby Skello” on social media.
In a public statement, Narine expressed outrage over the remarks, calling them “vile and profane” and a direct assault on the spiritual beliefs of millions of Hindus. He said the comments went beyond personal opinion and constituted a targeted act of religious disrespect.
“Goddess Lakshmi symbolises prosperity, purity, and grace. To mock or degrade her name is not only an insult to our religious beliefs but also an affront to the dignity and spiritual identity of the Hindu community,” Narine stated.
Calling on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to act, Narine criticised the body for what he sees as longstanding inaction on similar complaints raised by the Hindu community.
“I urge the ERC to finally awaken to its responsibility and do its constitutional duty,” he said. “The Hindu community has raised concerns like these for far too long without sufficient action or accountability.”
Narine emphasised the importance of religious tolerance and equal treatment of all faiths, stating that respect for sacred traditions is a core principle of any civilized society.
His comments come amid growing online backlash against the alleged statements, with some members of the public also calling for an investigation and formal reprimand. It remains unclear whether the ERC has launched an inquiry into the matter.
Narine, who is also a Justice of the Peace and former Staff Sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force, said the incident should serve as a turning point for ensuring that all religions in Guyana are equally protected from public defamation.
“The same protection and respect afforded to other faiths must be extended to ours,” he said.
See full statement below:
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
As a servant of the Hindu (Sanatan Dharma) faith, I am appalled and deeply hurt by the recent vile and profane attacks made against Goddess Lakshmi by an individual operating under the name “Baby Skello.” This was not a mere difference of opinion—it was a deliberate, disrespectful, and blasphemous act targeting a sacred and revered deity worshipped by millions of Hindus around the world.
Goddess Lakshmi symbolises prosperity, purity, and grace. To mock or degrade her name is not only an insult to our religious beliefs but also an affront to the dignity and spiritual identity of the Hindu community. These actions are intolerable and must be condemned by all who value religious harmony and mutual respect.
I urge the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to finally awaken to its responsibility and do its constitutional duty. The Hindu community has raised concerns like these for far too long without sufficient action or accountability.
Religious tolerance must be respected by any civilised society. We expect the same protection and respect afforded to other faiths to be extended to ours. Let this moment be a turning point for justice and the safeguarding of sacred traditions.
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown