I am moved to respond to Sat Maharaj's description of some people as "damn foolish" and the criticism of Krishna Deonarine's changing of his name to Adrian Cola Rienzi.
For the record, let me state that I have great respect for Sat Maharaj.
He probably will continue to present and represent a name and a face for many people who for one reason or the other will not or cannot air their views.
Sat is the perfect salve for Cudjoe et al, yet they are good friends.
So we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable and to live in unity.
In analysing any situation I believe that time and circumstances are important parameters.
A peek back in time will reveal that the prevailing social conditions were hostile to the Indians.
People with Indian names were placed at a disadvantage in the services, be it teaching, civil etc.
To be hired in a board school one had to change name and religion.
To get a job in the civil service your name had to be English sounding or Anglo Saxon.
Even when registering babies names there were problems.
For example, Dhanpaal was very obligingly changed to Paul by the officials who seemingly thought the person could not speak English properly. But we have come to the realisation that a name is an "artificial and meaningless convention" ... Sat knows of these trials and tribulations. What about the lowly roti and dhall water and even the "flat bottom indian gyul." What have these evolved into today?
One way to bring about change is to get into the system and that is what Krishna Deonarine did.
He did not abandon his culture or identity, hence the reason we can reminisce today about the highway, the building and the first leader of the OWTU.
So Sat please rethink your position on this one.
Sahadeo
Ragoonanan,
Princes Town