Dear Editor,
As Maduro’s aide plunked down volumes of notebooks on the desk at the beginning of the meeting with Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, few could have guessed the contents would be the writings of Guyanese on the topics of the border and, of ExxonMobil’s operation in Guyana, but it was predictable as day follows night for those who think before using the pen. Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who witnessed first-hand, Maduro’s attempt to manufacture evidence and sell the thoughts of a few as that of the majority, felt compelled to share his thoughts and urge caution going forward. Immediately, there have been bellicose challenges to Nandlall concerning his final paragraph “In the future, therefore, those who wish to travel this road by making such statements, or taking such actions, must now become alive to this consequential reality.” This was questioned by some as a threat to free speech. Nandlall has made assurances that it is not, but I would posit that it is much like the Argyle agreement, subject to change with circumstance.
Guyana had a long, discomforting look down the wrong end of a gun barrel as Venezuela’s embattled Dictator, Nicholas Maduro, made use of the border controversy to bolster his flagging political career at home and, while the Argyle Agreement gives us respite, it may well be temporary given Maduro’s level of desperation to hold onto power in an election year (2024). From 20th September (the Referendum announcement) to date, there has been no state censorship of any kind; Guyanese have shared every half-baked conspiracy theory they can dream up, fiction phrased as fact and stunningly accepted and repeated ad nauseam even after disproved or discredited. A country facing an existential threat to its survival cannot afford this level of disinformation and chaos in time of crisis, it is clear to me that self-censorship failed and when the next period of crisis arrives, we need to treat our Press and ‘Commentators’ differently.
Our Government should institute a review of statements, letters, opinions, and social media posts during the foregoing period, then invite all news entities to workshops to find solutions to any issues identified (there will be issues). Self-censorship remains the best option for our National well-being, but there should be an effort to educate the public about the dangers of “reckless speculative pontification”. Our Government should also make it pellucid that it is not toothless should self-regulation fail; giving aid and comfort to our enemies cannot and should not be tolerated; every country in the world allows for emergency powers in times of grave threat or war, and Guyana is no exception.
Sincerely,
Robin Singh
