DORIAN Massay, in a letter in the Kaieteur News dated January 21, 2007, and captioned ‘Stop these propaganda statements’, asked the question, ‘When did Guyana gain independence?’

Indeed, Guyana gained independence on May 26, 1966.

However, the reality is that Guyana had 24 years of dictatorial government.

Guyana, under the leadership of Forbes Burnham and the PNC restricted Guyanese freedom. There were no free and fair elections, no freedom of expressions.

The PPP/C has made discrimination against all people unlawful through the Prevention of Discrimination Act in 1997 and has endorsed the Optional Protocol on the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Also, the National Security Act in the PNC era suspended the right to Habeas Corpus.

A true democracy is more than just gaining independence from a colonial master.

Also, democracy is more than just casting ballots at election. But a true democracy has to do with freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and compliance with the rule of law. The PPP/C is sustaining this modus operandi.

Mr. Massay, the fact that you are allowed to disseminate such diatribe, is an indication of freedom of the press, speech, et cetera.

There were no fundamental freedoms at 1992. Mr. Massay, there was no money to pay for the external debt. And whether you like it or not, the GPA does not determine how the Army should be covered; the Executive determines this.

Please, Mr. Massay, identify the propaganda statements used in the press.
STEPHEN BERNARD