I once said that young people should take a page from Frederick Kissoon’s book, especially young journalists. If nothing else, they should emulate his bold and fearless stand in highlighting and exposing stories, events, people etc. He dares to tackle all and sundry exposing them for what in his estimation is wrong, unjust, oppressive, unprincipled etc; of what affects this country and its people. He functions like a watchdog. I still hold that opinion regardless of what others might think, for God knows, we need such a pen, and would be poorer if not. There are too many journalists/reporters who are dead scared; the fear of losing one’s job is not imaginable, it is real, and many have chosen to be servile in order to remain secure. I do not endorse stealing even though I’m comfortable with stories told about Robin Hood and his band of men. That apart, I stand in support of Malcolm Harripaul’s letter `Frederick Kissoon is worthy of emulation by all children’, Sunday Stabroek Oct 18th. His anecdote on Kissoon that he shared with us was for me an emotional one, for anyone who grew up in an impoverished environment, who has experienced suffering and struggles, the empathy, was automatic. I’ve never seen `Slumdog Millionaire’, but I once saw a movie where two boys stole from a store, and while making their escape were pursued by cops, who opened fire and shot one dead. It was later discovered that it was bread they had stolen. These are the conditions which give rise to revolution, these are the conditions which gave to us the Che Guevaras, the Gandhis, the Mandellas and of course Jesus Christ. But whatever might have been Kissoon’s misdemeanor as a radical youth certainly cannot stand in the way of who he is today and his daring contribution as a journalist. “He who is without sin let him/her cast the first stone”.
This bold stand that Kissoon has taken has created many enemies for him, but moreso even greater admirers; say what you want Kissoon does enjoy a wide readership; in fact he is the most popular columnist in our midst. His writings have endeared many to him; he is mostly referred to as Freddie. I’ve heard many folks saying that they buy the Kaieteur News to read Freddie, my ears have become accustomed hearing such remarks as: “yuh read yuh boy Freddie today”, “ah going home and read meh boy Freddie“, “hey, one thing ah like me boy Freddie fuh, he don’t mek joke/he don’t k”. As a journalist, a political analyst the Nation’s watchdog, Kissoon has made an impression on this society. More than that, he has unwittingly in some areas provided an invaluable service by causing a rapidly spreading number of young to take interest in issues, consuming his writings and indulging in serious discussions. Also, he has caused some intellectuals who had stopped writing to scurry back to their desks, and some who had not done so before to start.
How he manages what he does -his prolific journalist contribution which people look out for daily for various reasons- along with his teaching assignments is a wonder. And though we do fall short from time to time – since none of us is infallible, I do share the view that, there is indeed quite something that young people can learn from this controversial character.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
