Peeping Tom has launched a vituperative broadside on the country’s Head of State. In his/her column of Wednesday May 4, 2022, he/she threw an abusive tantrum against President Irfaan Ali, assailing his presentation at the World Press Freedom event held on Tuesday last. Peeping Tom’s attack went beyond the pale of responsible and fair commentary.

In so doing, this particular voyeur’s vision is not only distorted but it now appears that he or she has a hearing problem and may need a hearing aid. Unlike the impression framed by the Peeper, the President’s presentation was well-received by the audience in attendance, including the Diplomatic Corps.

The President not only addressed the concerns of the media fraternity but he used the occasion to provide assurance of his openness to the media and his support for its work. The President disabused any notion which may have existed that his government had any intention of exercising surveillance over the media. As reported in the Stabroek News, the President said spying on journalists is the furthest thing from his mind and has no place in a democratic society.

Nothing that the country’s Head of State said at the event was controversial. The President said that he is open to constructive criticism. He underscored the importance of accuracy, objectivity and responsibility – cardinal tenets of journalism. He insisted that in a free society the media must be protected. The President reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom.

If these are what triggered such an unwarranted, disparaging and supercilious commentary, then Peeping Tom is likely to be afraid of his/her own shadow.