Dear Editor,
First of all, I would like to express my support to SN over the curtailing of government ads to it; these ads need to be re-instated as soon as possible. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Lall and the KN staff in their support of SN. At all costs, SN and KN have to stand together to protect our most important freedom – freedom of the press. Let me take this opportunity to remind the public and all political operatives, that SN, under the leadership of Mr. David de Caires, (from its very genesis) , always gave space for anyone to express opinions – from opposition to government, regardless of race, religion or class. Mr. de Caires’ legacy lives on, stronger than ever, and at the next national awards ceremony, I would strongly recommend that a special award be given to that greatest Guyanese journalist – a true patriot of our dear Republic. Let us remember that government intervention into press freedom has a long history, and in recent times, President Jagdeo and his communist Gang of 8, used curtailment of government ads, to try and destroy SN, even when Mr.de Caires was the editor-in-chief; Mr. Jagdeo and his Gang also severely pressured press freedom in other ways, like the denial of broadcast licences to Mr. Sharma and others. I would like to implore our government to always embrace freedom of the press and to remember- it is only goodwill, not money, which will play the most pivotal role in realizing Mr. Granger’s important commitment to the “good life” for all Guyanese.
Editor, I notice that many parties are sprouting up like flowers in springtime (or, should I say, “oiltime”), each claiming to offer something new – but each seeing no difference between the two main parties in order to justify their very existence. It seems as if Mr. Shuman and his party, however, are taking a different, mature view of the Guyanese political reality and might be leaning to a union with President Granger’s coalition. Mr. Shuman and his followers would strengthen and invigorate the coalition and he should be welcomed once he accepts the objectives, philosophy and especially, the complexities which any political coalition will face as it interacts with an opposition PPP which is dedicated to one-party communism with Marx/Lenin as their Gods and “to keep the red flag flying” as their mantra. Mr. Shuman, to me, is a smart young man who is obviously dedicated to our Republic – he can help to make a great difference to strengthen our durable coalition and he can increase the momentum towards the concept of the “good life”, which Mr. Granger will chart a course towards. On the other hand, we see Mr. Don Singh joining the communist PPP and dedicating himself to an organization devoid of democratic principles while masquerading the “Civic” component with false prophets and loose cannons, like himself. Simply put – here is Mr. Shuman, a democrat, and there is Mr. Singh, a communist enabler.
Editor, lastly, I would like to add my condolences to the family of Mr. Cyril Belgrave, a Guyanese patriot and a dedicated follower of President Cheddi – I am certain that Mr. Belgrave’s honesty and integrity while he was in politics stands in sharp contrast (but in close proximity to Dr. Jagan’s character) with those who control his beloved PPP today. He had to be cognizant of the numerous negative changes afflicting the PPP after President Cheddi’s death – rest in peace, Cyril Belgrave, you will always be remembered, especially by these Jagans.
Yours faithfully,
Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)
