I have read with interest the developments surrounding the lecture hosted by Mr. Fredrick Kissoon. I must commend the non-partisan approach by the Kaieteur News in dealing with the matter. The professionalism shown has indeed raised the bar in local journalism. One would have expected the newspaper to defend Mr. Kissoon’s position and not present contradicting evidence. Further, the publisher of the paper has offered to pay for the airing of the tape of the lecture.

Like many other Guyanese I would urge that this offer is accepted as quickly as possible so as to clarify the lingering doubts about the attendance of the lecture. I am an ardent reader of Mr. Kissoon’s columns and given his analyses and his much touted popularity, I expected a much larger audience. Pictures speak for themselves, and given that no accusation was made about any form of “doctoring” of the photographs, it is safe to concede to the paper’s position that the attendance was far lower than what Mr. Kissoon is claiming it to be.

I was surprised at Mr. Kissoon’s bold pronouncement that he would resign if it was ever proven that the attendance was different from the numbers he claimed. He prides himself on his ability to analysis and tries to convince his readers that his writings are more credibly than any other columnist. Prior to this scenario, I had little or no reason to cast doubt on him. However, now that the attendance is being question and his stubborn defence, I must admit that, in my eyes, he has lost credibility.

He has called vehemently for the President to resign but has failed to stick to his word. I am inclined to believe that if Mr. Kissoon had not announced that he would resign if proven otherwise, there would have been no issue and no reason for this letter. I support the arguments of the Parrot and others who have said that based on Mr. Kissoon’s own admission, he should resign in the face of dwindling credibility. After all, he asks for the same of government politicians and officials.
SELWYN JONES