IT is really heart-rending to respond to Mr. Frederick Kissoon’s article – ‘Swimming in ignorance in Stephano’s Pool’, published in the Kaieteur News of Tuesday, July 19, 2011. However, I cannot, in good conscience, allow the general public to be hoodwinked by Mr. Kissoon. Therefore, I will use valuable time to educate the general public on issues as they relate to swimming in Guyana,  generally, and at the Colgrain Pool specifically.

Prior to 1992, Swimming Pools such as the Castellani Pool in Georgetown and Mc Kenzie Sports Club Swimming Pool were used specifically by elites of the Government and the chosen of Mckenzie/Linden.

On my appointment to the office of Director of Sport, I personally discussed this situation with the then President  of Guyana, the Late Dr. Cheddi Jagan.  Immediately, the situation was reversed and more persons were allowed to swim at these facilities.  Dr. Jagan himself swam with the ordinary man.

Before and after the re-commissioning of the Colgrain facility, numerous meetings were held with the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association through which acceptable usage of the pool, in an organized manner, was decided upon. 

Presently, the programmes at the facility include clubs, Persons with Disabilities, beginners, persons doing therapy and prominent persons in the society  (including doctors) and not only the categories stated by Mr. Kissoon, who has now mastered the techniques of misleading the public. 

Sessions are conducted between 08:00 hrs to 19:30 hrs and sometimes beyond.

The irrational Mr. Kissoon attempted to compare the use of the Luckhoo swimming pool with that of Colgrain.  While I am no longer surprised by his consistently disingenuous statements, I am definitely disappointed.

The National Sports Commission is concerned with high standards, proper organization and professionalism.  Therefore, such practices will be evident at Colgrain and the other facilities.  Hence, persons will not, in this modern and advanced age, be allowed to use the facilities in a disorderly manner.  This position definitely will not be accepted by Mr. Kissoon who seems to be an advocate for the perpetuation of chaos in Guyana.

The Olympic-sized Swimming Pool, again, after the completion of some minor works, will be opened for swimming to the public in an organized manner

Mr. Kissoon, who is a Doctor in inaccuracies, has once again displayed his true self.

He continues to use words and phrases with the hope of confusing and eventually convincing his readers about his anti-government posture.

Mr. Frederick Kissoon, I am convinced, all are convinced, that you are indeed exceedingly foolish.  The time has come for you to recognize that Guyanese are not deficient in wisdom or judgment and therefore will not be schooled by you any longer.

General public, don’t let him fool you.

The Colgrain Pool is under an astute management team and the Pool is fully utilized.  I would suggest that Kissoon swim regularly at the Georgetown Sewerage System and travel around in the cleaning facilities that Cevon and Puran Brothers are using around Georgetown. 

The filth that comes out of Freddie Kissoon’s mouth and the lies that he writes daily is a manifestation of a warped, narrow-minded animal.

I am proud to remember from whence we came and I am extremely happy to know where we are and where we are going.

You, Kissoon, is nothing but a liar. I am inviting you to check with the Administrative Assistant Ms. Desiree Cummings at Colgrain Pool for the Swimming Schedule.