A NUMBER of recent articles reported the Muslim community’s concerns about the revealing of the women’s identity.
In the December 2, 2015 issue of the SUNDAY SUN, I read excerpts from the secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association, Suleiman Bulbulia (Muslims May Take Government To Court).
The January 10, 2016 SUNDAY SUN issue carried Types Of Islamic Veils. Interestingly enough, my clearest understanding of the women’s concerns came via the January 17, 2016 SUNDAY SUN’s article Muslims’ Dress In Obedience To Almighty.
Let me first say there are laws in every country to be adhered to by citizens, residents and visitors, no matter what colour, class or religion, or whether rich or poor.
But this issue has an easy fix: first let us concentrate on what we stand for as a country and as a people and block out what other countries do in their parts of the world.
l) Allow the women to have their photos taken wearing the hijab if the officer conducting the interview is a man.
2) Allow the women to have the said photos taken without any headwear by using a female officer.
I think we can be accommodating. It is too small an issue to be taking up so much of public servants’ time.
After all of the photo issues have been addressed by the respective Government offices, it would be up to the individuals (women) to deal with other private entities when doing business at their establishments – banks, supermarkets, car dealerships and so on.
At least the Government would have done its part by issuing the necessary identification photos required.
Blacks make up 92.4 per cent of the population – what are we afraid of?
– WENDELL TAYLOR