SELDOM do I agree with comments made by Joey Jagan and one such instance was his remarks on television regarding the Lusignan massacre. Amongst the many things he said pertaining to the despicable crime was the “spewing of hate” from the pen of Kaieteur News’ columnist, Freddie Kissoon.

No one needs an education on the possible consequences of this tragedy which are pellucid to all. This is evident in the numerous calls for peace by Guyanese from all strata of society including relatives of those who lost their lives.

Freddie’s daily diatribes are punctuated with calls for professionalism from government officials and even media operatives. While I support this in principle, since it is what every citizen would want regardless in what country he/she resides, I disagree on many of his unfounded derogatory remarks directed at public officials and some ordinary civilians.

In his article appearing in the Tuesday, January 29, 2008 edition, Freddie alluded to the physical and verbal assaults he claimed some government functionaries experienced during their visit to Lusignan and surrounding areas.

The anger of the residents is understandable and everyone agrees on this. Similar abuses were hurled at President George Bush and other officials during the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.

What perturbed me however, was what Freddie said in his article and I quote, “…I am going to break with media protocol here and say that though I do not condone violence, I will refrain from condemning the mistreatment of some of these ministers. Baksh and Benn were assaulted. All others were hounded down…” This can only be interrupted as blatant condoning by the author of such incidents.

It is clear that Freddie has over stepped the boundaries of acceptable journalistic ethics not to mention his professionalism. While Freddie has been enjoying the fruits of democracy restored by this administration for which his disdain is obvious, his refusal to condemn assaults on government functionaries must be viewed seriously. I recalled when Joey Jagan threatened to slap him; he sought solace and condemnation from all including government officials.

I expect that the Guyana Press Association, the Guyana Human Rights Association, the PNCR and other organisations will condemn forthright - this insinuation by Freddie. After all Freddie, charity begins at home, the same professionalism you expect, you must first practice.
SELWYN JONES