Mayor Narine’s development is severe overreach by State, with police as pawns

Dec 17, 2022 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
The arrest and charging of Mr. Ubraj Narine is cause for concern and points to the erosion of freedom of speech in Guyana. The charging of Mr. Narine is a huge overreach and abuse of power. The content of what was said by Mr. Narine does not amount to hate speech.
All Guyanese should be concerned that the Government can use the Police to target people who disagree with him. If you analyze the Government actions, one would think there is an ethnic war between Hindus and Muslims that is underway with Mr. Narine as the Leader fanning the flames. Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr. Narine made some statements in the heat of the moment that were ill advised which he has recognized and has issued a prompt apology.
This stems from his frustration he has experienced with the Government’s failure to consult and engage with him on the solution of street vendor’s problem.
The Government has latched onto this incident for political gain and in the process is flexing its muscles to silence free speech.
These actions threaten to take us back to a dark time where the ability to speak freely was taken away from the people. This is a slippery slope that they are embarking on and would be well advised to rethink their arrogance.
Further, they should be reminded that the purpose of government is to serve the people and to demonstrate leadership in diffusing issues and not be ‘thin skinned’, petty and vindictive if you can’t get your way.
There must be room for tolerance and dissent where people can feel they can speak without fear of being targeted.
Guyana is not a dictatorship.
Yours faithfully.
R Misir

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