Senior Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Rupert Roopnarine’s call for a boycott of the State Media, and those that are perceived to be state friendly, has reverberated throughout Guyana. Many including this writer, have been left aghast by the menacingly clear threats in his “bonfire” call.Such threats, especially the “bonfire”, reminds of the attack by Nazi Germany, when they ordered all works particularly those written by Jews, burnt in May of 1933 in Berlin. Is this academic/politician out of his mind? Sure as day, that such incendiary did emanate from this politician.
Well, one is judged by what one speaks! Apply this to Roopnarine in any given context, and this means an attack on the Media, that dares a different political opinion to his. This is indeed an assault on the Fourth Estate.
This cannot be the Roopnarine from the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Party, of that great martyr, the renowned Dr. Walter Rodney! But, unfortunately it is, and Rodney must be turning in his grave! The nation, perhaps, may now appreciate the exclusion of this party by Rodney’s widow, in matters relating to the formation of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry.
It is a threat that State authorities should take very seriously, as it takes into account the safety of staff, not only of the Guyana Chronicle, but also those from other state media: GINA and NCN.
Anyone who threatens the media, attempting to coerce it into silence, is an enemy of democracy; and this includes, Roopnarine.
What a shock, shame, and let-down from one who, from all appearances, had been deceiving the nation!
HAROLD GREENE