Dean wrote: (16/06/03) "From what I have read, the Hindu festivals were permitted in Trinidad, althought there were instances where the activities got out of control. I'll try to look up a specific example." Hi Dean, Thanks for confirming the role of the Presbyterians in Trinidad. In relation to the above, the same was the case in Biritsh Guiana. As you can imagine, such festivals and their outcome did involve the "disturbance of the peace" as it occasioned much use of alcohol and Bhang or Ganja. A good excuse to bann or limit them. One thing that was banned was the use of the Tadja Drum for obvious reasons. This is a huge drum that makes a booming noise. If there was something to disturb the peace of the country-side, that drumming was one. African drumming had long been banned for its communicative and conspiracy potential, so the banning of this and that cultural activities or their limitation was nothing new. You know the old joke about the Golden Rule? "He who has the gold makes the rules". Looking forward to your examples in the case of Trinidad and from others in relation to the other Islands. Thanks. Richard