Dear Editor,
Reference is made to your editorial `David de Caires’ (SN Nov 4). Thank you SN for this editorial reminding us of the contributions of David. It is a tribute richly deserving. David de Caires was a true hero of the anti-dictatorial struggle through SN that was used to put pressure on the government to liberalize the economy and provide a democratic opening for politics. Guyanese must be grateful to him for the transformation the society underwent during the late 1980s through the first relatively fair election in October 1992.
Times flies – it is a decade already since the passing of this free press icon. The champions of a free press miss him. The country misses him. People crave his views on so many current issues – violations of the constitution and agreements made by political parties as in that made between PNCR and its APNU partners, APNU and AFC, and PNCR and PPP/C over Gecom Chair. Mr. de Caires cared for and loved his country and wanted to see it transformed from an oppressive dictatorship into a democratic nation in which all would have an equal place. He did tell me that Guyana was amongst the most difficult countries to govern and he did not wish the “Presidency” or head of government on any person, not even his worst enemy because every policy was judged on “race” or party support.
Yes Mr. David de Caires was a champion of the fourth estate – few in the civic society had displayed his courage to start a politically non-aligned publication. At a time when people lost their lives or limbs in Guyana for their writings or turning out a mass media, Mr. de Caires courageously started the Stabroek News with another venerated media icon Ken Gordon of Trinidad. People relied on SN for unbiased news and also treasured its commentaries. SN became the media of choice for almost everyone.
He also started the letter pages, a unique concept, allowing readers to pen their views on issues. More people bought SN for the letter pages than for anything else. Good journalism requires publishing opposing views. And Guyanese also wanted an outlet to vent their pent up frustration with governance having been ruled by a dictatorship for two decades and no avenue to voice their anger. No other print media has shaped letter columns as SN. I, myself, penned several hundred on varied issues. Guyanese are most thankful to SN allowing them an avenue to air their views on importance to them. Even the government and some very unpopular politicians published their views in the paper.
Since its launch over three decades ago, SN has become a publication that Guyanese and the international community take seriously. It is not a tabloid or rag tag newspaper. It is a prestigious publication of record. SN is quoted in varied research including academic journals and country reports of the USA. Many articles I read in international publications (including journals) made (make) references to articles published in SN. I browse the paper daily and quoted articles for my own academic research. It is because of the professionalism of de Caires (as editor in chief) that SN has acquired such a noteworthy reputation.
Mr. de Caires did not allow the paper to become an organ for politicians although he may have had his biases in political support. But he was not a biased editor or publisher. He allowed all sides to air their views and gave coverage to all political forces even when he was attacked; one never forgets the “putagee mafia” moniker from Desmond Hoyte who served as illegal President.
The trust and respect people have for SN would not have been possible without de Caires who has built SN into a credible institution. It is a hard act to follow. Thank you Sir!
Yours faithfully
Vishnu Bisram
