THE question of democracy and its practice in Guyana has been one of the focal points of debate/discussion throughout the years, especially its most sacred tenet – freedom of expression. The landscape is so much different, healthier since the accession to office of the PPP/C government. The media in general is now so free, that citizens can seek recourse to such a route to air whatever grievances they have. Even the government comes in for its share of harsh criticism, whether from the man in the street or from the opposition forces and other sources. The local media is definitely a facilitator of freedom of expression. Such is the hallmark of a truly democratic society.
This dispensation since 1992 has allowed a plethora of social commentators to represent whatever shade of political, economic or social issue/viewpoint they feel most strongly about. One of them, a well known business page columnist/analyst and perhaps, political aspirant has over the years been using his column for heavy critical analysis and comments of the public sector and state institutions. He is even hosting a television programme, and subscribes also to some of the print media’s letter columns, where his line is just the same. Could he have dared such during the dark years of the PNC dictatorship? We unanimously know the answer.
Such is his right in a society where freedom of expression exists. His criticisms, though scathing, are made uninhibited. I do not ever recall the Government of the day, placing any restrictions or gag on this eminent citizen for any point he may have made. Such is the freedom of expression that he and others enjoy.
However, recent events surrounding this citizen have revealed the very antithesis of the medium of freedom of expression that he uses to question the behaviour/actions of others to his atisfaction. He has moved to the courts to silence those who query his actions on matters pertaining to him. That was a known Burnhamite tactic. Remember?