Dear Editor,

SLANDERING of a sitting minister in chants and songs in the crudest and vilest of ways must be condemned by PNC, GTU, unions, women’s groups and all civil society. I hope the female MPs of both sides of Parliament will issue a joint condemnation of such vulgar attacks.

As Prime Minister Phillips said, “Most disturbing is that a sitting member of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherod Duncan, has shared this revolting song (“Priya is a wild hog”) on his social media platform. We must all join in condemning Mr. Duncan for doing so.” During the GTU teachers’ protest, there was also chanting of “Rape! Rape! Priya trying to rape we”. I hope the Teaching Service Commission has identified the teachers from video footage to make sure they have a strong dose of “professional development” activities.

How would Mr. Duncan feel if someone made a song about his dismissal as General Manager of the Chronicle because of an audit of his financial management there? Would Mr. Duncan like that? Mr. Duncan had been quite active on social media racking up a reputation for being the rabble rouser of the PNC, and perceived as crossing borders of decency and truth, and going towards the dark side. Those who live in glass houses should not encourage throwing of stones.

Mr. Duncan also posted a note on his website that said: “Dear Vindhya: Meet me, In The Ring. Tonight 8pm.” He did not issue such an invitation to PM Philips, although Mr. Philips had also issued a denunciation of his action.

Mayor Narine must be commended for condemning the disrespectful social media posting against the Minister of Education. The Mayor said, “I have stumbled on a vile and repugnant song which is purported to be directed at the Minister of Education, the lyrics of which are gross and distasteful. As Mayor of the City of Georgetown, I encourage every right-thinking Guyanese to reject this song which must not be tolerated in our country…Our women must be protected and must not be used or abused for cheap political points. The people of Guyana must not be exposed to such crass behaviour despite political differences.”

Blogger “Shoba Sarjoo” said, “I mean how can you all behave in this manner calling people all sort of names and then you say that you have common sense.” Zakir Hasildar said, “U so shameful for a man to disrespect a woman…u call that a coward…shame, shame, shame…u should step down as a MP for one of the highest offices of a country… have some respect for women…cuz you have mother, sister, daughter out there…”

If Mr. Duncan or anyone has issues with education policy and practice, or vaccination policy, stick to the issues. Going off course to make ad hominem, personal attacks on a very popular, hardworking minister has crossed the line, and should be swiftly condemned by all. I cannot wait to see what the civil society groups would say about this despicable act including the religious groups, Red Thread, and the women columnists and newspaper editors.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Jerry Jailall