Hindus seeks to integrate in general VI society
Hinduism is a religion practiced mainly by Indians but is open to everyone despite their race, according to Leader of the Hindu Society of the Virgin Islands, G. Deonarine (Deo). "Some people don't know about Hinduism so that's what we are trying to get to them. Some people seem to think that is some sort of inequity. It's all kinds of things people think but you cannot blame them because they do not know," Mr Deonarine told Virgin Islands News Online.
They have had a presence in the Virgin Islands for more than 20 years with the larger population being from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Others that co-exist among the Hindu Society of the VI are from India, Sri Lanka, among other countries.
On Saturday March 16, 2013 the Hindu Society of the Virgin Islands held a fund raising activity as they prepare to purchase a plot of land for the construction of a temple. According to Deonarine, the society is currently renting a building at Sea Cows Bay for the many years it has been in the Virgin Islands. "Actually we are trying to buy our own land now with the permission of the Government....we are a legal organisation and so we are accepted by the Government of the British Virgin Islands and we are thankful for that," said Deonarine.
He said that they are in the preparatory stages of applying for the plot of land and in the interim they have decided to hold fund raisers with the dual intention of educating and associating with the general population of the Virgin Islands.
"Its a whole procedural thing but we already got the licence from the government to operate as a non profit organisation. So we are accepted so its just that we are going to go through the process one day at a time."
This process started with the food sale of 'seven curry'.
Mr Deonarine said that while they have been in the Virgin Islands for over two decades, there are many residents that are yet to become familiar with the group and to understand what it is all about. "We are a peace loving nation, we are not here to hurt anybody," stressed Deonarine.
With a population of over five hundred persons who embrace the religion in the Virgin Islands, Deonarine said they have a regular attendance of approximately 100-125 persons at the temple on a regular basis.
The turn out and fast rate at which the foods were being sold bore testimony to the fact that the Virgin Islands is home to a warm and hospitable people as persons from all races and religion were seen supporting the food sale, which was held at the Cruise Ship Dock look-out area.
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