Dear Editor,
Over a year ago, I made the difficult decision to stop addressing letters to the Chronicle. I knew that views were being suppressed; that they were not wanted; that I did not belong. So I moved away. Yet even today, I recall the independence and courage of Editor Khan to honor his profession and serve his audience through the exposure granted.
Then I wrote to Stabroek News only. While a particular event led to the sidelines for the first half of 2007, I returned afterwards. However, those who read the columns may have noticed that my contributions have been less than prolific. This has been deliberate, and prompted by both question and environment.
What have the letter columns become? A much needed forum for candid and constructive engagement? Or a shadowy bazaar peopled by tawdry characters seeking to overwhelm through numbers and to deceive with the crass and craven? On another note, have the columns become more about who I am and about how much I know and must exhibit? As against that which is meaningful and progressive for a society suffering and in despair? While there are some who deserve only accolades for their thinking and desire to make our land a better place, they are but a few.
But there still remained a few even more pointed questions that cried out for the asking. Am I making a difference? Is my line of thinking contributory to change, and for the better? Is the community of participants and readers better served by me making way? Have I, all along, been merely spitting into the wind? The answer to each question was the same; it was one that left an emptiness.
So after ten years and a thousand letters, the time has come for me to fade away, and to make way for others to carry the torch. I may be back on occasion, but it will be very far and apart.
To the editor(s) of SN, I say that your struggle has been hard, but noble. While it will not get easier, now is not the time to falter. I salute you and appreciate you allowing me to share. To my fellow Guyanese, I will dearly miss these conversations, and thanks for listening.
Yours faithfully,
G.H.K. Lall
