Dear Editor,
Political cartoons for any newspaper are indispensable. It is a visual medium that engages the readers, helps them understand and interpret the political, social and economic scene rapidly through its drawings. Political cartoons lately have gained much importance and have a raised the standing in the daily newspapers. Such cartoons play a role in the political discourse of a society, which provides for freedom of speech and of the press.

Apart from a great sense of humour, a cartoonist is required to understand the political scene and make a commentary on the situation, but to refrain from making it in bad taste. However, the cartoon in Stabroek News dated May 10, 2019, crosses the line, as it is disrespectful in its content and borders on libel. It portrays the President of Guyana, the opposition leader, as well as expelled MP Charrandass Persaud being given a dressing down by a Caribbean Court of Justice Judge, being called “fools”, “idiots” and “jackasses” with the principals meekly answering yes, yes, yes.

A free press is the backbone of any democracy, but freedom does not walk alone, it walks with responsibility. The pluralism and diversity of opinions can ideally find lively and inclusive platforms where democratic debates thrive in open societies; but it does not have to stoop to the level of disrespect and libel.

The rights and liberties accorded the press in a democratic society give rise to corresponding responsibilities, which apply both to the managers and owners of media outlets and to individual journalists.

Stabroek News needs to be reminded that the roles the media and their public-service characters play in a democratic society, make it imperative that the highest ethical standards be applied to the practice of journalism.
Regards
Aditya Panday