Dear Editor,
I am deeply offended by the gutter racist attack on Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief David de Caires by Rickford Burke. De Caires is among the fairest and most balanced commentators and publishers I have read. Burke’s letter was mean-spirited, bitter and demeaned a fair-minded man, and I can’t quite understand why the letter was published as is. There should have been some editing. I can’t quite recall any such racist commentary on anyone.
I met Burke once relating to his involvement in the matter involving Guyanese Gounden who is being hounded out of Howard Beach because of his colour. Burke has played an important role in trying to have justice for Gounden, who has been harassed and intimidated by the police, fire officials, housing inspectors, sanitation officers and thugs. Burke did not come across as a mean-spirited person. In fact, I was impressed by his intelligence and professional manner and his willingness to assist another fellow Guyanese. So naturally, I was shocked when I read the bludgeoning attack on de Caires. What was Burke thinking of? None of the innuendoes applies to de Caires. Burke should know better because he has a fine young scholarly mind. I hope Burke would read his letter and offer an apology to de Caires and others who are offended by his racist comments.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
