PLEASE allow me to throw in my few cents as it relates to the assault on Kaieteur News columnist and University lecturer, Freddie Kissoon, and the imbroglio surrounding the state media’s coverage of the incident. I first wish to condemn this nasty and despicable act against Kissoon and I am of the belief that disagreement with his views is no license for him or any other social commenter to be attacked in such a manner. It is a criminal act and the perpetrator(s) must be caught and punished in a manner that is fitting.
That said I wish to address the insinuations and accusations leveled at NCN in light of what was reported by that newscast in the aftermath of the incident. The Kaieteur News headline on Tuesday May 25 read as follows “Faecal matter thrown in Freddie Kissoon’s face……NCN claims to know attacker” and sought to suggest that by its reporting of an eyewitness account of the incident NCN had knowledge as to the perpetrators of the attack. One person then charged that NCN should reveal the identity of the eyewitness in order to absolve itself of guilt. It is my view however that NCN, like any of the other local media houses is not obliged to reveal the identity of eyewitnesses or sources who in providing verifiable information seek anonymity and confidentiality. What goes for one must go for all and Kaieteur News is in the habit of quoting unnamed sources as the suppliers of often inaccurate information which when it is proven so does not attract similar calls.   As for the “NCN claims to know attacker” part I recall during the height of an unprecedented assault on state institutions and a section of the populace perceived to be supporters of a certain political organisation by criminals under the subjugate of their political masters, Kaieteur News, through their own admission was in constant contact with the leader of this nefarious gang.