I will analyse and criticize poet, painter, politician, priest …

Nov 18, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
I refer to Mr. Greenidge’s letter, “I acknowledge Freddie’s apology but…” (KN, Nov 11). In his explanation, Mr. Greenidge accepted my apology then questioned its sincerity after a subsequent published expression of mine. I hold to the apology to Mr. Greenidge because I have no proof that he took advice on how to vote as PAC chairman from Gail Teixeira. That justifies an expression of retraction. However, a different matter is if what I said constitutes libel. I stand by my subsequent position that what I wrote did not make for libel. This is obviously a contradiction here. If I didn’t believe it was libelous then why did I express regret?
Libel does not involve the writer only. The writ also names the publisher and the editor. Then the writer has to secure legal representation. I cannot and will not spend my life asking friends for free representation in court. I have exhausted my welcome in that respect. Khemraj Ramjattan and Nigel Hughes have been solid rocks for me. If I have a conscience I should not press these two fine, brilliant Guyanese patriots any further. Also no matter how frivolous is a libel writ the courts will be harsh if you do not respond. The court sees this as an insult. The time running in and out of court is enormous
The decision to apologize was mine and mine alone but there was bound to be trouble with the newspaper if I didn’t because the regret was justified in that I had no proof for my statement. Libel was a different matter. I would like to think the newspaper’s position would be to say sorry and move on. The advice from one and all would be, “Freddie, apologize and let the matter die.” Let us look at libel now.
I state here and now that what I wrote did not constitute libel. I posit that these kinds of things you find in the media all over the world. Politicians live with them and Mr. Greenidge must learn to do the same. What is the fuss about? I stated that Mr. Greenidge, as chairman of the PAC was advised by Gail Teixeira that he couldn’t vote. If this is not true is that a libelous statement. I say unapologetically no. I go further and day that no judge would consider that as such.
In a private exchange of e-mails on a particular thread to which Mr. Greenidge subscribes, I expressed that point poignantly. I told Mr. Greenidge that he is going to be harmful to the media because if he could threaten to sue for such petty things then he is going to go to court for every little criticism of his political action. At the time I withdrew the statement I didn’t know two things. First that the AFC had issued a statement on July 8 published in this newspaper on Mr. Greenidge’s abstention that was far more critical of him than anything this columnist had to say.
Here is the relevant section, “Pressure was brought to bear by the four PPP members, especially Ms. Teixeira, on the four APNU members that the chairman, Mr. Greenidge did not have an original vote.” Here the AFC is clearly saying that Mr. Greenidge came under some kind of influence by Ms. Teixeira. This was said since July this year. Why didn’t Greenidge threaten the AFC with libel? Secondly, the Stabroek News wrote that Mr. Greenidge took the advice that he cannot vote from the Clerk of the National Assembly. Those facts are conspicuous here. There was pressure by Ms. Teixeira. And Mr. Greenidge did take advice. Against this background, it is amazing that Mr. Greenidge thought he could get a successful libel suit. He took advice and I named the wrong person the advice came from. How could he claim libel? If a priest stripped in a purple bar in Berbice and I wrote it was a pink bar in Esequibo, how is my inaccuracy libelous?
So why did he threaten me? I believe he wanted to scare me. I cannot understand why Greenidge thinks that given the life I have lived in this country, which is an open book, he can do that. In a private e-mail, I let him know that I will not be deterred. I will analyse and criticize poet, painter, politician, priest if it is in the public’s interest and I am open to receiving criticism myself. No public figure outside of those possessing State power, has been more scandalized than this columnist in the history of this country. When it comes to politicians, they must understand that they will be subject to scathing reviews. Libel is a different matter. That involves mischief in attacking people’s character. The sooner Mr. Greenidge learns that the better for him as a politician
Frederick Kissoon

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