Wild claims in press must be subjected to checks

Nov 30, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

In 2006, I had a substantive discussion with former president Janet Jagan on the state on Guyana’s politics. The most crucial point made by Mrs. Jagan was that the letter section of the newspapers in Guyana pose the greatest threat not only to the PPP, but also to democracy and political stability in this country. I think Janet Jagan had it right then, and that her concerns are as relevant today as they were then. Allow me to substantiate my observations.

Firstly, I refer to a letter by Nigel Hinds (Stabroek News 29/11/22) who clearly, and without ambiguity calls for a “race-based” political mobilization against the democratically elected government of Guyana. Here is Nigel Hinds in his own words – “It seems to me that we have to mobilize as a race within a multiracial environment to favourably change the disadvantaged state of most of the descendants of our ancestors” (SN, Ibid). To underline his point, Hinds further states that “no other group is going to initiate this and certainly their contribution will invariably only come, when forceful demands are made from them to share the power and wealth” (SN Ibid).

Editor, Hinds’ letter in Stabroek News under consideration here is nothing short of numerous violations both domestic and international norms. Since when is it acceptable to openly call for a “race-based” mobilization to pursue political objectives? To boot, Nigel Hinds adds vinegar to the wound by twisting the context of National Security Advisor Jerry Gouveia who sounded an alarm about calls for disruption of the political and economic condition in Guyana. The words attributed to the NSA, namely “Disrupt the economy, destabilise the country, and destroy public buildings and public infrastructure” are, in fact, the words of people who share Nigel Hind’s call for “race-based” mobilization.

Secondly, the near treasonous assault on the public imagination in Guyana also surfaced in Kaieteur News’ daily “Blunt” page. The page invoked Thomas Sankara who carried out a coup in Burkina Faso. The totality of the Sankara allusion amounts to a threat to President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo, and an invitation to Opposition Leader Norton to become “interested” in a Sankarian adventure. Kaieteur News appears to be unaware that, in fact, Mr. Norton and the PNC already had a run at things, but one that resembled more the disastrous governance of President Camporé.

Thirdly, Kaieteur News also published a letter under the title “Guyanese replaced slave masters with…” The piece is nothing short of a catalogue of unsubstantiated claims, and the call for the letter writer and all public service workers to be paid more than $6M. This claim is at once comical and irresponsible. Editor, I also ask – why are these kinds of claims published without the minimum vetting for accuracy.  Guyanese enjoy more than a free press. Yet, that freedom should be accompanied by a measure of responsibility. Failing that, the promotion of political violence will only escalate. Only days ago, a well-known personality stated that he cannot renounce violence in pursuit of his political objectives. These kinds of things are usually published only in fringe newspapers or in the dark corners of cyberspace.

Janet Jagan’s warning about the racialised sensationalism in the letter sections of our newspapers could not be more relevant today. I urge those who have institutional authority in the publishing world to exercise their professional responsibilities. Constructive debate should not be allowed to the empowerment of those who want “race-based” mobilization.

Sincerely,

Dr. Randolph Persaud