Dear Editor,

Here’s what I received from my server today:
“GT&T has informed us today that all VOIP calls transmitting their internet backbone are blocked or degraded. The network policy was implemented today at 3:00 P.M., December 2, 2008.”

How on earth can this be?  Doesn’t GT&T understand that systems like Skype exist and are in use all over the world and are most used in countries that promote freedom of expression and human rights?  They have no right to prevent the citizens of Guyana from using these boons to communication, which are not a figment of science fiction, but are here, in use and available to the free world.

So who is pulling the strings? Is this another attempt to make Guyana more like Venezuela and reduce the freedom of the population?  Human rights activists look sharp – this is definitely a blow against personal choice.

Oh, and let’s not forget the tourism industry.  How many tourists will cancel when they hear they can’t use Skype?  How can we encourage visitors with this stupidity in place?

GT&T better wake up.  The good times are over.  All calls will soon be free – anywhere in the world.

Yours faithfully,
Peter Bouchard