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Silence from all on the discontinuance of Freddie Kissoon’s column

Feb 15, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

I thank you for allowing me space in your newspaper to share my opinion on this very important matter of the discontinuation by management of Kaieteur news of the column of Freddie Kissoon.

Editor, I personally feel that everyone is entitled to share his or her views on matters of national interests. Freddie Kissoon was denied his rights and not a voice has spoken or written about this great act of silencing a voice that speaks for many of Guyana’s voiceless. Yes, the Human rights Association is silent; the prominent social, cultural and political organizations are silent.

It is important to note that Kissoon got the full support of the present opposition when they were in the Government. In fact, he stood on their platform and campaigned for them on the A.F.C, and by extension, an APNU ticket, thus helping them to win the 2015 elections. Kissoon gave them a honeymoon period but soon became disillusioned with them with such blunders like the closing of sugar estates, resulting in the dismissal of 7000 sugar workers, and by extension, putting some 42,000 on the breadline.

At the same time, APNU parliamentarians increased their salaries by 50%. Then came the NCM (No Confidence Motion) and the numerous court cases which caused great resentment in the country, and many more short comings. Kissoon spoke out against these blunders and he became a target.

When the PPP was in Government and Kissoon took them to task, he was a hero to the city black intelligentsia, the Hinds, APNU supporters and many who resent the PPP. However, what is sauce for the Goose is Sauce for the Gander! Let there be free speech! Let us hear both sides of the story! Let us not gag someone because he seems to highlight the developments in the country.

What is disappointing is the response of people like Rickford Burke and Mark Benschop on Facebook. There seem to be a sense of gloating and joy at Freddie’s dismissal. Burke described Kissoon as “This diabolical, maniacal racist [who] has been a wolf a sheep’s clothing…” while Benschop in referring to dismissal, wrote, ” I don’t know what to say. about the situation other than to ask his friends and neighbors to keep checking on him. After all SUICIDE is real: “These responses from people – who are supposed to be role models for Guyana’s young people- are despical and heartless. After all, as Voltaire said,” I disagree with what you say but I will defend your right to say it.”

Guyana has lots of people with integrity who now need to stand up and defend Kissoon’s right to express his view.

Sincerely,

Mahindra Persaud

Publisher’s note: Publishers reserve the right to part with any contributor at any given time, particularly when the contributor is being paid a salary. This is standard in the business world.

Mr. Persaud, no one has prevented Mr. Kissoon from writing to the newspaper. The letter pages are open to all and sundry to express their views and provide commentary on matters they deem important. Mr. Kissoon, like many other citizens, is free to take advantage of the letter pages of the Kaieteur News.

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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.

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Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
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