Paras Ramoutar
TRINIDAD, January 28, 2005: Another case of unfair treatment, racism and discrimination has won the favor of Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal. The subject is the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha’s (SDMS) request for a radio licence to promote Hinduism and Indian Culture. This request was denied by the Telecommunications Authority two years ago. The SDMS took the matter to the High Court but lost. It subsequently went to the Court of Appeal and this week, the Court mandated the Cabinet to give consideration to the SDMS’s request within 28 days. Indo Trinidadians consist of 43 per cent of the population with about half being devout Hindus. The three judges were unanimous in their decision that the SDMS was treated unfairly. Justice Alan Mendoca, one of the judges, said that one of the aims of the equality provision of the Trinidad and Tobago’s Republican Constitution is, “to strike down curry favour, and other unfair practices on the part of those who manage and operate the wheels of justice.” A spokesman for the SDMS said that if the Cabinet does not act properly and grant the licence it will appeal even further to the Privy Council,” as this would be even more evidence of discrimination by the state.” A statement from the Office of Attorney General, Senator John Jeremie noted that his office was studying the judgment but, “remain committed to the rule of law and deeply respectful of the decision of the courts.”