Minister Manickchand was one of the first to condemn ‘Baby Skello’s’ offensive piece

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Education notes a letter to your columns from Mr. Vishnu Bisram that contains inaccuracies both by commission and omission. The facts have been brought to the attention of Mr. Bisram, which he acknowledged, but he has declined the invitation to correct the record. It falls upon us, therefore, to do so.

On May 9th, 2025, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand was clear in her condemnation of the lyrics of one calling himself “Baby Skello.” She said, “I stand with the Hindu community unreservedly in condemning the idiotic mumblings by some Baby Skello. The “singer’s” apparent explanation (which he offered it appears with a view to absolving him of any wrongdoing) worries me more. He says he was speaking of someone’s mother and not Mother Lakshmi. And I’m here wondering when and who allowed him to think “singing” anything so crass and crude and abusive would be acceptable? Are we listening to [unacceptable, abusive content], and then complaining when it goes too far? How is that music? We have the power to censor artistes ourselves. Not by law. (And I don’t believe in state censorship.) But by consciously deciding not to listen, buy and/or in any other way support their brand and products.”

Indeed, Minister Manickchand was one of the first persons to condemn the said offensive piece.

Sincerely,

Shena Henry

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Education