Compromising objectivity to praise Govt.?

Feb 05, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Dr. Vishnu Bisram is a prolific writer, penning countless commentaries or reports on virtually every issue imaginable. He is well respected for his competence and professionalism and for his courage to address issues that few dared. He is also widely recognized as a patriot and a champion of democracy, fearlessly combating the attempted electoral fraud of 2020. But is he going overboard in praising the performance of the government, the President, and Ministers? Why isn’t he praising or joining those who are championing Guyana’s oil interests to obtain a fairer share of royalties and profit sharing? Why hasn’t he commented on the gas to shore project for Wales?
A recent letter praised President Ali for an interview on Globe Span – where the President gave an ordinary, routine, run of the mill response to standard questions, nothing extraordinary. The President evaded the intent of the question on the Exxon contract, but making clear he would not renegotiate the contract or development plans. Is Dr. Bisram comfortable with that government position? Was Dr. Bisram trying to brownnose Mr. Ali? Dr. Bisram is also on record as consistently praising the leadership of Vice President Jagdeo. Mr. Jagdeo’s position on an earlier Glenn Lall show was the same as Mr. Irfaan Ali’s. Is Mr. Jagdeo the one behind the throne?
At times, Dr. Bisram comes across as a defender of government policy. If he is seeking employment with or favours from the government, he does not need to praise the government. He has earned his stripes from his activism and professional achievements. He needs be reminded that no matter how well he defends or praises the government or his skill and or competence, he will not be trusted by the PPP leadership. Do this government and its previous incarnation value professionalism, competence, integrity, and honesty? Skilled, proficient, qualified individuals have been denied jobs simply because of their independence; they can’t be controlled by the top two. Just look around at some of the (questionable) characters who have been appointed by Vice President Jagdeo and President Irfaan at various boards, government agencies, and Ministries! What conclusions can be drawn? Several appointees had soiled reputation in the previous PPP administration! Some were before the courts facing questions of probity! The private sector would not even think of hiring them! Yet they were brought back to serve this government! Why? Is there obsession over control of and manipulation of personnel? Clearly, loyalty to leadership and compromised integrity seem to trump competence and professionalism. As an economist or political scientist, will Dr. Bisram fit into that kind of framework?
Dr. Bisram needs be reminded that this, like the preceding government, is run by politicians obsessed with having total control of government staff and who are known for unstatesmanlike, egotistical traits. They are narrow-minded. They feel insecure and unsure of themselves and as such reject independent minded thinkers or those they feel they can’t control.
Dr. Bisram should maintain his media independence and pen commentaries that hold the government accountable especially when the political opposition is weak and discredited. The country values his objectivity. And please also, speak out on the oil contract as well as gas to shore proposal for Wales. Is it feasible? Is Wales the right place?

Yours truly,
Hema Lokenauth

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