The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Guyana Pandits’ Council have called on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the Guyana Police Force to take appropriate action against artiste Baby Skello for obscene lyrics that gravely disparage the Hindu Goddess Maha Lakshmi.
In a statement, the Dharmic Sabha said the Hindu community is outraged and deeply offended by the vulgar and disrespectful lyrics and content of Skello’s new music video. It stated that Skello should be held accountable for his actions, publicly apologise to the Hindu community, and withdraw the song.
The Sabha also noted that while the Hindu community is peaceful and respectful of all faiths and people across the country, the attacks on Hinduism have not gone unnoticed.
“The Hindu community strongly rejects this distasteful and completely unwarranted narrative. We are also deeply concerned about the continued disrespect to women being portrayed by performers in the name of music and art, recognising its impact in driving harassment and violence against women and girls. We call on all Guyanese and the wider community to join us in condemning this artiste and his disgusting song and video,” the Sabha emphasised.
In a separate statement, the Guyana Pandits’ Council also expressed deep outrage, revulsion, and condemnation over Skello’s song.
“This song is a direct and despicable attack on the Hindu faith, an affront to our religious sentiments, and a disgraceful objectification of women cloaked under the guise of ‘art’ and ‘entertainment,’” the Pandits’ Council said.
The Council pointed out that the depiction of a woman as an object of vulgar fantasy is not only an insult to the Hindu community but also to all women.
“We therefore call upon the Guyana Police Force, the Ethnic Relations Commission, and all relevant authorities to immediately investigate this matter, hold the artiste accountable under applicable laws pertaining to hate speech, blasphemy, and public disorder, and to prevent further dissemination of this offensive material,” the statement said.
The Pandits’ Council reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the sanctity of all faiths, promoting interfaith harmony, and defending the dignity of women.
“We stand united against all forms of religious defilement, moral decay, and cultural disrespect. Let it be known that freedom of expression does not equal freedom to desecrate. We expect swift and just action in the interest of peace, justice, and religious integrity,” the Council concluded.
