Dear Editor,
Eid-ul-Fitr, the grand feast marking the end of Ramadan, is the most significant observation in the Islamic calendar. Yet, unlike in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, it is not a national holiday in Guyana. However, this can change to be in conformity with the rest of the region once Guyana adopts Eid-ul-Fitr as a national holiday. This issue has been raised by Muslim representatives to the government for many decades.
There has been discussion within the community regarding a “swap”—dropping Youman Nabi in favour of Eid-ul-Fitr—but not all Muslim groups agree. Some prefer adding Eid-ul-Fitr without giving up existing holidays. Mr. Wazir Baksh of the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) noted that his organization has lobbied past governments and is willing to contemplate a swap. Similarly, Mr. Fazeel Ferouz, former CEO of the CIOG, is on record demanding that Islam’s most significant observation be granted national status.
Mr. Ferouz recalled a meeting with former President Forbes Burnham, who offered two national holidays but felt the lunar timing of Eid-ul-Fitr was problematic. Today, however, our neighbours in Suriname and Trinidad have shown that adjusting for the moon is easily manageable.
Ultimately, a common Eid-ul-Fitr holiday in the Caribbean would foster the movement of people and stimulate tourism between Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname. As the most significant date in the Islamic calendar, it would also spur significant economic activity.