In a 18 November 1997 telephone interview, a representative of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) stated that conversions from Hinduism to Islam are mostly through marriage and they are widely accepted in Guyana. The representative of CIOG went on to say that immediate relatives are not always in favour of the conversion to Islam. In a same day interview, a representative of the Hindu Religious Centre agreed that conversions from Hinduism to Islam were widely accepted in Guyana and that religion was considered a matter of personal choice. Conversions from Islam to Hinduism are very rare. Hindus comprise 30 per cent of the population while Muslims make up 15 per cent of the population of Guyana (Political Handbook of the World: 1997 1997, 344).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG). Georgetown. 18 November 1997. Telephone interview with representative.

Hindu Religious Centre. Georgetown. 18 November 1997. Telephone interview with representative.

Political Handbook of the World: 1997.1997. Edited by Arthur S. Banks. Binghamton, NY: CSA Publications

The Encyclopedia of Islam. 1993.

The Encyclopedia of Religion [New York]. 1987.

The Europa World Yearbook 1996. 1996.

Electronic sources: IRB Databases, Global News Bank, LEXIS/NEXIS, REFWORLD (UNHCR database).

Journal: Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs [London]. 1988-1994.

Research Centre Country File (Guyana). 1993 to present.