Dear Editor,
WPA wishes to record its strong disappointment at Kaieteur News’ report on the picketing exercise held in solidarity with the people of Linden in front of the Office of the President on Thursday July 12, 2012. The report (Ramotar not getting the best advice -Granger) wrongly conveyed the impression that the event was organized by APNU and attended “by scores of APNU supporters.” The report also featured only the views of the APNU leader, Mr David Granger.WPA welcomes the coverage given to Mr Granger’s views on the Linden issue, but deplores the use of the coverage by Kaieteur News to narrow the demonstration to one organized and dominated by the APNU and silence the voices and participation of other individuals and organizations.
WPA, therefore, wishes to set the record straight. First, the event was organized jointly by the WPA and Red Thread. Although the WPA is a member-party of the APNU, for the purposes of this event it acted independently. Second, because WPA and Red Thread wanted the activity to be broad-based and inclusive, it invited several organizations, individuals and the general public to participate. The APNU was only one of the organizations invited. Third, contrary to the impression conveyed by the Kaieteur News’ report, the demonstration was broad-based. Participants included members of Red Thread, WPA, TUC, PNC and APNU. There were also several participants there in their individual capacity, including a contingent which travelled all the way from Linden.
This tendency by sections of the media to portray broad social and political actions in narrow partisan terms has two unfortunate consequences. First, it helps the PPP’s narrative that opposition to its policies and the substance of its governance is not widespread; it is confined to a few opposition politicians. Second, it drives away many citizens and organizations who are prepared to stand up but do not wish to be identified as members of the political parties.
Yours faithfully,
David Hinds
Executive Member
WPA
