Dear Editor,
It is so amusing that those who deliberately attempt to distort the PPP’s record on press freedom and freedom of expression are perhaps the most vocal and outspoken in our society. Every day these individuals pontificate on radio, television and in the newspapers on subjects ranging from rain to romance without any fear of retribution. It seems to me a contradiction that with this glaring reality, Mr Arif Bulkan is desperately trying to convince us there is no freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Guyana.
Mr Bulkan’s letter to the editor appeared in SN on Monday, January 12, under the caption ‘The PPP should examine its own abysmal record with respect to press freedom.’ It has long been recognized that these individuals, inclusive of Mr Bulkan, mistake challenges to their distortion, misinformation and outright lies for everything else other than the right to reply and in defence of the PPP record and its leaders’ character. It would therefore not surprise most people if he now claims he is under attack for his views.
Apart from the obvious inaccuracies contained in Mr Bulkan’s letter he has exhibited poor judgment in his arguments since the examples he used can hardly be deemed appropriate indicators in the measurement of freedom of expression and press freedom. The mere fact that Mr Bulkan misused his opportunity to be factual, by telling us Freddie Kissoon was fired from the University of Guyana is enough to tell us what we are actually dealing with. The University of Guyana Council did not consider Mr Kissoon for post-retirement employment.
With respect to his reference to the termination of the appointments of Mr Carl Greenidge to Cariforum and Mr David Hinds to Arizona University, Mr Bulkan deliberately omitted to say that these appointments had required individuals who were independent, objective and fair, and neither of these gentlemen met these criteria and were therefore considered unsuitable. I can hardly believe that Mr Bulkan’s insinuations of ulterior motives by those honourable professionals in these institutions will make it to success.
Worse yet, his position on the tax evasion matter implicating Glen Lall is unpopular since the majority of Guyanese recognize the dangers of allowing the ‘rich and famous’ to deprive our country of the benefits of revenue generation. Mr Lall is no different from anyone else who is required to pay his or her taxes.
Again, Mr Bulkan gave the opposition a free pass by exculpating it from blame for the delay in the opening up of frequencies to accommodate additional radio and television stations. There is a history to this matter and the whole truth is nevertheless the PPPC Government opened up the airwaves to widen the opportunities for freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Based on his argument, it appears as though he has resolved himself to embrace illegality by supporting the violation of the law by CNS 6. At least though Mr Bulkan lived up to one of my expectations by mentioning Mr Gordon Moseley, who was deemed persona non grata for a period at Office of the President. This decision was taken on the grounds of his poor mannerism, disrespect and discourtesy; the privilege of access to the Office of the President is contingent on adherence to the rules and regulations of this high office.
Overall, Mr Bulkan has delivered a poor case and his arguments are laced with subjectivity. In a country with a population of over 750,000 people Mr Bulkan can only present us with fewer than 10 examples in his attempt to nullify the PPP’s good record on freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Yours faithfully,
Kwame Mc Coy
