Dear Editor,
To those who levelled an unsubstantiated allegation (‘Boodram should withdraw as chair…‘) in SN of August 7 against Annan Boodram, chairman of a youth conference on violence, should be made aware that Boodram is not a defender or apologist of the PPP. On the contrary, he is a sharp critic of the PPP and has condemned the machinations within the party on a variety of decisions including the selection of the presidential candidate. Mr Boodram has also criticized the PPP over its handling of the departures of Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo and others, and Ralph Ramkarran’s resignation.
As best as I know, he is not aligned or affiliated with the PPP and instead is associated with members of another political party. Many members of the PPP don’t value Mr Boodram’s objectivity and balanced views.
Mr Boodram is a professional and his writings are well argued and loved by readers internationally.
He is not one who compromises his integrity, honesty and professionalism. He is among the leading journalists of Caribbean descent in New York. He published a community magazine and a newspaper, and he also edited other newspapers. He is not one who is partisan and I never saw any of his writings suggesting he was an apologist for anyone or for any organization. Messrs Gerhard Ramsaroop, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan, and others can attest to his firece independence of thought.
In addition, Mr Boodram is a role model for youths in New York. He is a successful educator whose achievements in turning around troubled youths was featured in the New York Daily News.
He cares for Caribbean people and is deeply involved in community affairs where he resides. In addition, he is praised for his work among youths making him the ideal person to chair a youth conference. There are few in the Guyanese diaspora who are as competent and fair minded in their work as Mr Boodram. The signatories to the letter are wrong.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
