Open debates can prove useful to citizens

Oct 10, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

I feel compelled to address your audience regarding the much anticipated but twice delayed debate that was due to be held on the Guyanese Critic’s Facebook page. I was due to debate Joel Bhagwandin last Thursday on the question of whether Guyana is beginning to exhibit signs of ‘the Dutch Disease.’

Interestingly, this debate was initially to be held last month, but I was informed at the last minute that it would be postponed to the first Thursday in October. No explanation was offered. On Thursday, I too had to postpone involvement, citing an emergency. It is truly unfortunate that this debate has faced so many postponements!

On an unrelated note, let me say that I am very uncomfortable with the Guyanese culture, across both sides of the divide, which avoids direct political debate. I fought for a debate between former President Granger and then Presidential Candidate Ali before the last election and in the end, only representatives from the small parties were willing to debate.

Let me say publicly that I am willing to debate anyone, on any relevant issue in the political sphere, via a platform that is neutral. To this end, there may yet be space to debate Mr. Bhagwandin in the future. Perhaps some civil society organizations should give serious thought to hosting regular debates which can be broadcast across as many online platforms as possible. I think this would prove quite useful to citizens, no matter their political affiliation.

There are many Guyanese cultural practices that I hold dear and want to promote. As you can imagine, avoiding open debate is not one of them.

Yours truly,

Elson Low

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News