WHEN CNS 6 television proprietor Chandra Narine Sharma was given a suspension by the president there was a big hue and cry from the opposite side, with Sharma leading the fray. Some of the accusations given ran like this: a four-month ban is draconian, which would see the collapse of his business, the opposition parties would be without an outlet for the airing of their views this election season and the timing of his censure was bad and smacks of political interference.
They did not stop to think that the reasons they gave were all politically motivated,based on the flimsy excuses cited earlier. President Jagdeo made his pronouncement based on an advice given to him by the ACB, which is an above-board body comprising individuals from government, opposition and the public at large; but those dubious sympathisers could not be bothered as they went on the offensive. President Jagdeo conceded to grant him a reprieve to prevent the opposition using this as an excuse to create mischief. Sharma would have returned to his home and, as it were, resting comfortably after having outfoxed the president on this one – or at least so he thought.

But this was only round one, because out came MOM, vehemently pleading their case against this alleged paedophile.  These women are there to ensure that justice is served in that sexual molestation case involving a minor. Since those indictable charges were brought against Sharma he has been dodging the courts – apparently feigning sickness at convenient intervals, albeit in perfect health when he has the backing of his political comrades at other times. But come what may these women would not be deterred, because they are on a mission to bring a high-profile child molester down.  They are saying “Enough is enough!” One of the statements made by those mothers is that poor people get jail time and justice is served, but when you are high and mighty, as is Sharma’s case, you get off on a technicality. These ladies are not on a political stunt; they are there to highlight the fact that justice must be carried out whatever the cost and whoever the individual.

This writer is on record as saying Sharma is presenting a smokescreen in trying to avoid jail time. Well, I was proven right and MOM has seen through his schemes. I urge those ladies to keep up the pressure, take this matter even further, go to the Human Services Ministry and see to it that the case pending is dealt with expeditiously, because there is danger of it losing strength in those long postponements.
In a related issue, I happen to see a known picker-upper of street children during the PNC era giving Sharma staunch support at his vigil. Like the first world nations, I strongly encourage those children, now adults, to come out of the woodwork and make out their cases against this paedophile also.

Finally, Sharma might have outsmarted the president but he will definitely not outsmart the maternal instincts of MOM.