THE opposition and some union members claim that Mr. Bayney Karran made statements to the Organisation of American States that were ‘one-sided’ and ‘abysmal’ and the remarks should be withdrawn.
There is no way any of the statements made should be withdrawn. The opposition and critics cannot say what statements they are objecting to. We find that certain sections of the press and TV make statements daily without any basis as their comments are born out of speculation and conjecture.
There is a particular writer who continues to destroy people’s characters and reputations by making statements without any proof. He sometimes admits he cannot prove certain things, but he believes what he is saying is true. The regret is that Guyanese love a gossip and they tend to accept as gospel what is written in the press.
Karran allegedly spoke about the ‘precarious situation’ in Guyana. Is this situation not true? Look at what is happening in Parliament. Do you think the politicians care a pig’s foot for the concern and welfare of Guyanese? It is sickening to see Members of Parliament reading their speeches, which is against the rule of the House, but neither the Speaker nor anyone else seem concerned. It is a pity that the TV stations give publicity to them when they read. The opposition goes on to speak of the violation of human rights in Linden. Is this out of laugh? Karran also spoke to the promotion of ‘ethnic hatred’. We cannot forget that David Granger had agreed with the government concerning the rates for electricity for Linden. Then Khemraj Ramjattan went up there and told the people that the government was increasing their tariff because of race and because the blacks in Linden did not vote for the “coolie” PPP. Was not that the start of the problems in Linden?
The opposition is embarrassed by Karran’s disclosures and cannot find fault. They should identify what are not factual in the statements made by Karran and then call on him to respond.
I hope this letter will see the light of day in our freedom of speech newspapers.