Dear Editor,
“Resist the spin” was the bold front-page headline of no less a newspaper than the Chronicle, as it reported on the words of wisdom offered by GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh “in the interest of peace and stability, I urge you not to execute your functions at the expense of a peaceful society…resist the spin and contextualize your stories”. I do hope this leads to increased vigilance by reporters and it would be ideal if it could extend to writers in the opinion columns; for I was appalled by the attempt by GHK Lall to ‘spin’ Volda Lawrence’s incendiary and dangerous appeals to supporters to congregate outside of polling stations for a ‘nightshift’.
GHK bowls a ball that the ‘nightshift call’ has been taken to mean a festive ‘lime’ complete with beverages and BBQ. Utter balderdash! Having worked as a polling agent in 2015 in the F.E Pollard School, Kitty, which housed numerous polling stations, I can testify that the nature of the gathered APNU/AFC crowds outside of that institution was neither festive nor a ‘lime’. Further 90(1) of the Representation of the People Act prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquor on Election Day, this is common knowledge. GHK’s attempt to ‘spin’ should be called a ‘no-ball’ and the bowler’s action should be examined closely; I understand Mr. Lall has to sing for his supper and he has fears of the coalition losing but one must temper the personal for the national.
Yours faithfully,
Robin Singh
