Dear Editor,
LET me preface this by saying that I do not tolerate any online abuse or vitriol towards Melissa Atwell. Regardless of how you feel about her—even if she has engaged in online violence herself—such behaviour will not be condoned by me. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Reference is made to a recent Stabroek News article, “Melly Mel placed on bond for visa overstay” which stated the following:
“Judge Mwangi questioned the basis for ICE’s detention, prompting Kieone Cochran, a representative from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, to cite a visa overstay as the reason. Booth argued that her client had followed proper legal procedures and applied for a status adjustment in September 2023. She emphasised that Atwell-Holder has no criminal history, and does not pose a flight risk.”

It has now been confirmed that she is being detained on an immigration matter—part of President Trump’s broader crackdown via ICE. This effectively puts an end to the conspiracy theories painting Ali and Jagdeo as omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent masterminds controlling Trump.

Let us recall the political theatre that unfolded: Both Norton and Hughes stood in solidarity at the Square of the Revolution protest.
Norton went even further, urging supporters to contact their families and friends in the US to lobby senators and congressmen on Melissa’s behalf. Yet, Thursday, US Secretary of State Rubio visited—and from the joint Opposition? Not a word, not a whimper about Melissa’s case.

Instead, the AFC penned a letter to Rubio, engaging him on his “Concussion Road” remarks. This follows News Source’s report that Norton aligned himself with Rubio’s criticism of the roadworks, calling on the government to accept fault.

As I’ve said before: Assert, Dodge, Divert—an ever familiar pattern, exposing yet another display of political parasitism and pure conspiratorial slime.

Yours faithfully,
Nikhil Sankar.