In response to Freddie Kissoon’s letter: ‘The Thomas Carroll Book again.”

Jul 22, 2013 Letters

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Dear Editor,
It’s not my intention to continue with these exchanges with Freddie Kissoon, because it does no justice to the true contents of Mr. David Casavis’ book: “The Thomas Carroll Affair.”
Kissoon has mentioned that my involvement with the book is simply because of my friendship with Mr. Casavis, and my involvement in the distribution of the book in Guyana. In setting the record straight, my association with David Casavis is for informational purposes in order for Guyanese to get a better understanding of the reason(s) behind his motivation in writing such a book; thus my several interviews with him via my show “Straight Up” on www.benschopradio.com.
I can assure readers that unlike the false and mischievous impression Kissoon conveyed that I’m selling the book, therefore my ‘attack’ on him is solely on a money-making ground, is yet another attempt by him to conceal his failure to produce a book that’s either better than Casavis or any other author he tries to gutter punch in the name of ‘reviewing’ whilst pretending to be superman who is out to protect the populace from reading a book that he claims is ‘nonsense.’
There’s no doubt in my mind that Freddie can’t write a good book, either better or even and square as anyone (including GHK Lall and David Casavis.) However, the fact that he hasn’t done so indicates that he’s either afraid of his own shadow or is a small town ‘intellectual’ who prefers to hide behind his pen in the Kaieteur News, whilst condemning anyone who is brave to move beyond rhetoric and small talks.
What has become questionable over the years, is Freddie’s forceful efforts via his daily bewildered rantings in an attempt to convince his readers that he’s the only ‘intellectual’ giant in Guyana, and maybe in the world. Therefore, anything that does not have his stamp of approval is of inferior quality. I wish to caution folks that such is far from accurately describing someone possessing admirable and some kind of gifted intellectual capabilities. Having said that, I’m confident that Guyanese are intelligent enough to identify a ‘kaka belly’ fish, from a tilapia.
Mr. Kissoon is old enough to be my father (he’s touching his 70s) so I’ll ignore his lack of ability to adapt to things in a modern society. Surely it could not necessarily be any fault of his to be open minded on issues. I get the distinct impression that Kissoon (unfortunately) believes that when God created humans, he made Freddrick Kissoon as the only one in ‘His image and likeness’, rendering him the only superior being and an expert on everything from cleaning trenches to writing a book. Gosh, how sad eh?
Freddie no doubt wants Guyanese to bow down to him and address him as either ‘King Kissoon’ or ‘King Kong’ the 2nd. Sorry, but I wouldn’t be one to prostrate before anyone who portrays himself/herself as higher than God. This pernicious trait in Freddie’s personality is becoming more and more obvious in his daily rantings about everything, especially when things do not go his way. With such an attitude, I wouldn’t be surprised if he considers himself above people like Albert Einstein, Mandela, Dr. King Jr. or even Ghandi (well we already know his disdain for the latter.)
The truth is, Kissoon has quite a long and suspicious list of persons he considers himself as being intellectually superior to, and it’s not only myself, Minette Bacchus or David Casavis. It also includes many respectable persons, example: editors, publishers, politicians, chartered accountants, activists, trade unionists, academicians, lawyers, magistrates, judges, doctors, pilots, businesspersons, authors, professors, diplomats etc, etc.
In assessing his attitude and the actual functions of his brain (which would be more than a full-time and strenuous task for any competent neurologist to endure) I can only conclude that there are indeed some very deep issues, of which I can only offer regular prayers for him. Freddie is always of the view that someone or something is after him (thus his usual cry in a soft voice when cornered: ‘I’m accustomed to people attacking me.’) Surely, I’m not certain whether it’s some unfortunate traumatic event during childhood or whether something very strange happened during his younger days; whatever it is, something just isn’t regular as he’s always wanting to be the star of the movie the king on his throne. It’s sad, because when he doesn’t get his way, he begins to throw serious tantrums via his columns or all over the letter pages responding to Tom, Devo or Yonnette.
Finally, I wish to close for now, by wishing Freddie all the best and pray that he finds a way to rid himself of whatever bitterness that’s eating his heart away. Such has caused him to lose many ‘good friends’ and no doubt will continue to if there’s no attempt for a serious reality check. I’ll predict now, his response will be about him being a man of principle, honesty and integrity (the regular blah blah blah we’re accustomed to) and that there’s no one else in Guyana or the Caribbean to match such qualities (yeah right!) Keep in mind that, Guyana and to an extent the Caribbean remain intellectually stagnant because of selfish, egotistical, myopic ‘columnists’ and half-baked intellectuals who continue over the years to destroy the minds of our young generation in every aspect. I leave you with a relevant quote from Nelson Mandela (a man who is ten times more intelligent, respected and admired by millions) it’s meant to be an eye-opener for the ‘King Kongs’ of the world: — “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” And, if I may add: It becomes dangerous when an individual lacks both.
Mark A. Benschop     

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