Dear Editor,
The closing of Channel 6 for four months by President Jagdeo is indisputable proof of the wanton disregard of constitutional rights that now seriously undermines the quality of life in Guyana. CN Sharma, the owner of the station, though not as erudite and urbane as others in the media is a staunch critic of the many abuses of the present government. He has, in recent weeks, allowed the main opposition parties to use the station; an opportunity that is constantly denied them by the government controlled Channel 11.
Mr Jagdeo’s edict is based on the rebroadcast of a call, which was deemed a threat to his life. The President’s decision is disturbing for several reasons. He evaluated the facts of a matter in which he was the aggrieved party, and also imposed punishment. It is a fundamental tenet of fairness that requires a party who is a part of an action not to sit in judgment of the facts, and certainly not in the penalty phase where the party’s bias may tarnish his objectivity.
