Dear Editor,
In a recent press release, the ruling People’s Progressive Party expressed strong disapproval at the Kaieteur News coverage of the Lusignan incident and hinted that they may register a complaint with the Guyana Press Association.
According to the release, the party was most concerned about the newspaper’s decision to publish gruesome pictures of the dead victims, which included a mutilated child with protruding intestines. The PPP accused the Kaieteur News of using a cheap ploy to incite and inflame negative passions by the posting of the images. They further stated that in the newspaper’s quest to sensationalise the horrific incident, it showed a reckless regard for the dead and further exacerbated the trauma and anguish of the survivors.
I agree with the PPP’s criticism in this area, however, it is hypocritical and convenient to now rebuke the newspaper’s conduct. Kaieteur News has long garnered its reputation based on sensational journalism and the party has never chosen to rebuke their lewd and uncouth reporting style. For years, this newspaper has been publishing gruesome front page pictures of Afro-Guyanese men who were killed by the police. These men were accused of crimes and not afforded the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law. It would seem that the party was not concerned in those cases.
Yours faithfully
Berkeley Van Bowen
