Dear Editor,

I applaud your newspaper for publishing the findings of the CADRES poll conducted in March.  Without passing judgment on the findings of poll, I am of the view that the media should publish the findings of all polls that are properly conducted, even those conducted by controversial columnist Freddie Kissoon.

I know CADRES Director, Peter Wickham, quite well.  He is well respected. He is a credible and reputable pollster, having conducted polls, like me, in several Caribbean countries. His findings have been at variance with mine in some societies. Three years ago his poll in Trinidad showed the newly formed COP defeating the UNC and on the verge of capturing political power. My NACTA poll showed the COP not winning a seat and the UNC winning the opposition with 15 seats and the PNM winning government with 25-26 seats.  That was the actual outcome. But that should not take away from Wickham’s polling ability.  A poll is just a reflection of people’s views and change with time. What was obtained in March may not be reflective of today’s views.  Publishing the poll, even 3 months after it was conducted, gives people an idea of how well their politicians are doing and what they need to do to win over people’s trust.  Politicians generally don’t like polls that are critical of them.  But the polls give them an opportunity to modify their behaviour.

Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram