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It was Mr. Kissoon who raised the issue of his stealing books

Feb 11, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
If P. Ramlall (“Why crucify Kissoon because of a teenage prank?” Kaieteur News, 10/02/11) had followed the discourse between Mr. Freddie Kissoon and myself, s/he would have known that it was Mr. Kissoon who raised the issue of his stealing books and not I. He did so firstly in a context that suggests that the act of stealing represented some form of existentialist freedom and my comments were as follows: Mr. Kissoon then proceeds to make a very strange statement: “Those familiar with Sartre’s contribution to existentialism would know that…it is the process whereby we give meaning to our existence (incidentally, I stole that wonderful book when I worked as a 16-year-old youth at the Michael Forde Book Store. I did not steal it from the National Library as a certain PPP presidential candidate would like to think. I still have it and treasure it).” I then concluded that “It would be hilarious if Mr. Kissoon were suggesting that by this kind of unlawful behaviour he was in some way being existentialist: going beyond (his) own social and historical limitations!” (“Mr. Freddie Kissoon has sought refuge in a redefinition of oligarchy” Kaieteur News: 23/01/11)
In his response to the above observation, Mr. Kissoon claimed a nexus between his stealing books and the need to educate himself, and I commented as follows: “…. regardless of what the government or the likes of me are doing, it is absurd for Mr. Kissoon to be seeking public sympathy for stealing of other peoples’ property. After all, countless others have been as poor, if not poorer than he, and have not resorted to theft.” (“Allegations cannot become truth” Kaieteur News: 26/01/11)
My contention then and now was/is that Mr. Kissoon’s positions were/are untenable but nowhere did I claim moral superiority. Indeed, if anything, I allowed that the government and I may have done worse, and I would advise anyone – Ms./Mr. Ramlall included – who wishes to keep his/her neck not to put it on the line on my behalf!
Henry B. Jeffrey

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