The PNCR in expressing sadness at the death of Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief David de Caires noted that in particular he will be remembered for his “fierce commitment to press freedom and his robust stance when the PPP/C Administration withdrew advertising from his newspaper.”
The opposition party observed in a statement that de Caires “fought vigorously both locally and internationally until it was restored.”
The PNCR said further that de Caires was a champion of press freedom not only for Guyana and the Caribbean but for the world, and expressed its sincere condolences to his wife, Doreen, his children, Isabelle and Brendan, and other members of his immediate family.
The party said further that de Caires was a pioneer in the expansion of the private media in the country and made a significant contribution to the legal and journalistic professions.
The PNCR also noted that de Caires had “capitalized on the intention of the Desmond Hoyte administration to expand the private media by launching the Stabroek News in 1986.”
Describing de Caires as a well read man of broad culture, the party said that he excelled in the legal profession, but realized subsequently that his greater interest lay in the profession of journalism.
“He had earlier been the Editor of the New World Weekly magazine and was a member of that group of men who sought to offer solutions to the deep seated problems of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean,” the PNCR said
“Indeed,” the party added, “he was optimistic that despite the seeming intractability of our problems, Guyana could overcome them and create a cohesive and harmonious society.”
It is well documented, the PNCR said, that as the Editor-in-Chief of Stabroek News, he was a compassionate boss who was interested in the development of his reporters and maintained a deep interest in the great events of the time and exhibited a lifelong love of all sports.
The PNCR expressed the hope that God would grant the de Caires family the “fortitude and strength to take them through this difficult moment in their lives.”
How ironic and two faced of the PNCR to say David de Caires will be remembered for his “fierce commitment to press freedom and his robust stance when the PPPC withdrew advertising from his newspaper”.
How crass of the PNCR to mention that. Why don’t they mention the facts of the oppression of Press Freedom and all the other freedoms they (PNCR) oppressed during the Burnham ERROR? I guess it’s too much for them to mention, but least we forget.
If Mr. deCaires fought for his ads to be returned, it was because his business was taking blows from the lack of finance from the ads. The SN was punished for a mistake made by one of their reporters, not because the President or the government was oppressive or was trying to put SN out of business. If that was the case, then would they have ever gotten their ads back? I don’t think so…not if we remember and compare the true meaning of oppression of the freedom of the press as demonstrated by Burnham and his PNC.
David deCaires and Stabroek News went thru nothing as per oppression of freedom of the press as compared to what the PNC did, therefore, they should not have said anything. They did it with the hope of gaining political milage and to look good…too bad, we all have not forgotten.
Thank you mackydog and GUYFLAG for pointing out the obvious.
The PNC(R) has no shame.
I hope the top brass of the PNC-R takes note of De Caires’ FIGHT for press FREEDOM & opens the door to political/democratic freedom within the party so that those who genuinely have the ability to lead the party & country forward can come to the fore. The dinosaurs need to take up advisory positions or their place in the museum.
…… i endorse the above comment ,, a hundred fold and more !,,,, ur synopsis ,,, Sir ,, is simply an “honest” one,,, that needs hardly an introduction to the disgrace that is the pnc ,, and many of it’s followers who are misguided and constantly misled !…………….
Agree with all of the above. The PNC is hypocritical and has lost any miniscule of respect it had left after the “challenge to the leadership” fiasco. The PNC will take decades to regain any credability. The AFC will put the PNC out of its status of “opposition party” in the next election.
PNCR notes de Caires’ ‘fierce commitment to press freedom’
when PNCR talk yuh better listen…….
”’JOKE ” P&C, much better and less insulting to the inteligent , comrades if the ‘palm tree’, had remained silent on this one….
Better late than never, ya’ll still seh something..
Re: de rest ah de PNC….”Guilty By Association……..” If de “axe” is going to be wielded like that Stabroek News (SN) don’t forget dat de – “GUYANA TRIBUNE” (GT) soon come – again! ;-)
The PNC is hyporcritical to say the least on this one.
However, I was speaking to several Guyanese regarding the passing of DeCaries. I did not know this gentleman, but as a Guyanese and reading about this hero of “press freedom” in Guyana, I was curious to know about this “hero.”
I was informed he was not the only one who fought for press freedom in Guyana under the Burnham/Hoyte regimes. Many political organizations including the WPA, PPP and many other political activists participated in this struggle.
It was also revealed to me that DeCaries was a member of the United Force.
I would like to give the man the benefit of the doubt, since I do not know anything about this.
COULD SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THIS GENTLEMAN AND HIS HISTORY ENLIGHTEN ME ON THIS ISSUE. I would reserve my judgement until then.
However, if it is true, would we still crown him a “HERO”, or should we place his service to Guyana in the proper perspective, by evaluating his role in helping to deprive the Guyanese people of their democracy for so many years?
I believe that it was Shakespeare who said, ” the evil that men does lives after them and is interred with their bones.”
I would like to caution that a person does not become good because thay die. We all have to die. Our lives should be put in the proper perspective after we die.
Anyhow, please enlighten me on DeCaries.