Educators are supposed to be objective about the works of their students and others. They don’t criticise others just for critique sake or comment on the writings of others just because they feel like doing so to show how much they know or how bright they are or to denigrate or belittle others. Respondents to a letter or commentary do so when a larger point needs to be addressed or to clarify or amplify on an issue or correct misinformation, etc. Thus, I was shocked to read a comment from well known daily columnist Freddie Kissoon, whose writings I enjoy, that anytime Clement Rohee writes something, he (Freddie) would respond (presumably) to rebut Rohee. It gives the impression that Freddie has an intense dislike for Rohee. Scholars or educators are not supposed to have an obsessive dislike for anyone. That is a violation of the oaths of our university degrees and our training as teachers. Any response to Rohee or the writings of anyone else by any critic should be respectful, fair and objective. Critiques should not be laced with indecencies and hatred.

Academics are trained to be fair and objective in assessing the works of others and they offer critiques to make their students better writers, not to put down others and make them feel valueless. At least, that is the training I received in college and which I apply when reading and grading papers of my students. Freddie has needlessly devoted many of his columns attacking Rohee, General Secretary Donald Ramotar, President Jagdeo, former President Janet Jagan, etc., and the PPP in general. Critics should continuously comment on the rule of the PPP to hold the government accountable. That is the essence of democracy. But they must be balanced and objective in their own writings.

Freddie does make some valid points about the rule of the current administration. But at times, he allows his obsessive dislike for the PPP to compromise his objectivity in assessing the rule of the administration. Freddie is in my view a very articulate writer who is also a good thinker with a quick grasp of social theories. But I would advise Freddie to cool off in his description of the government and others. The furious tirade against Rohee and the PPP and his unjustified attacks on others do not do justice to his academic standing.
VISHNU BISRAM