Latest update December 25th, 2024 1:10 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

When ‘freedom of expression’ becomes the vehicle for violent behaviour

Sep 12, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
It is with disbelief and utter astonishment of my observation of an incident recently, that I was compelled to make my views on the particular subject public via the letter pages.
The irresponsibility of some of our local politicians have transcended to their supporters, likewise, their non-condemnation signifies apparent approval.
This becomes all the more evident when ‘freedom of expression’ is used rather incorrectly as the vehicle for violent behaviour particularly by people who are of the belief that they hold a monopoly on intimidation and assault disguised as a ‘peaceful picket’.
This is how I choose to describe the attack on Kwame Mc Koy by PNCR, supposedly ‘peaceful picketers’, I witnessed.
While I admired the freedom this bunch had to hold their placards aloft and chant their slogans, I bemoan the fact that their action impinged on Mr. Mc Koy’s right to freedom of movement also. This is the sort of bullyism that no longer has a place in our society.
Mr. Mc Koy was simply attempting to leave a function he had earlier attended on Vlissengen Road, when he was set upon by this group who banged and shook the vehicle he was in, amidst the hurling of insults.
The police officers present did nothing except to stand their distance laughing and possibly enjoying the drama. What was even more distasteful was the fact that this blatant act of transgression was witnessed by my kids and an overseas visitor who accompanied us.
This kind of behaviour certainly highlights a mentality that is repressive and reflects the need for some serious education among our people who seem by their actions, idled and misguided, and those among them who succeeded in sustaining their ignorance.
Dave Martindale

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

The wait is over, all roads lead to KMTC for their Grand Boxing Day Horse race meet

The wait is over, all roads lead to KMTC for their Grand Boxing Day...

Dec 25, 2024

Over 70 entries in as $7M in prizes at stake  By Samuel Whyte Kaieteur Sports- The time has come and the wait is over and its gallop time as the biggest event for the year-end season is set for the...
Read More
Xhiya Hercules – flipping the script towards Gymnastics history for Guyana

Xhiya Hercules – flipping the script towards...

Dec 25, 2024

Road Warriors, Bent Street, Team Cruel & Gold Is Money into quarter-finals

Road Warriors, Bent Street, Team Cruel &...

Dec 25, 2024

Deol maiden hundred outshines Matthews’ as India take series

Deol maiden hundred outshines Matthews’ as...

Dec 25, 2024

Moraikobai village two days football competition and fun day set for Old and New Year’s Day

Moraikobai village two days football competition...

Dec 25, 2024

BCB thanks cricket fraternity for strong support in 2024

BCB thanks cricket fraternity for strong support...

Dec 25, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]