Dear Editor,
What‘s so offensive about the Chronicle editorial of July 2, 2012 in a liberated country? Is freedom of speech now repugnant in a country which prides itself in being a functioning democracy? Should freedom of the press apply to the private media alone? Or should the media be denied the right to express their opinion so as to encourage critical thinking and debate?
Despite the fact the Stabroek News is now aboard the wagon in its opinion on the Chronicle editorial (July 16) there is absolutely no inciting of any hatred for anyone but offering an opinion as Mrs Parvati Persaud-Edwards sees it. All those up in arms should have an equal chance to rebut as is normal in a democracy.
This has now become an excellent litmus case for the Caribbean Court of Justice to rule on a citizen‘s constitutional right of freedom of speech. Let‘s see if the AFC lawyers will jump to volunteer their legal services to ensure a citizen‘s right, like they did for championing black diplomats but which they rejected for their own Ms Gaumattie Singh. No race must have rights which denies the same rights to others under the same law.
This hasty decision to stop Ms Persaud-Edwards from writing editorials and the suspension of the duty editor makes a mockery of the free press and freedom of speech.
As a former social studies teacher for 25 years I ran afoul of my supervisors for giving my views on certain American bits of history. One case is vivid in my mind. Teaching about Thanksgiving Day I told my students while we were celebrating Thanksgiving, that there are some who are saddened by this day’s history. Why? my students asked. Well, I gave my reasons to develop critical thinking among them. Among native American Indians and others, the holiday was not seen as auspicious despite its celebration by most European ethnic peoples.
This was because white people seized their lands from them with deadly guns. European diseases like the common cold, venereal disease, diptheria, whooping cough, TB and alcohol, etc, which did not exist in North America further killed off more Indians. As a teacher I was developing critical thinking skills among my students, ie, cause and effect in not staying within the box.
In an unrepentant, very clear case to my bosses, I advocated that teachers must have the right and latitude to teach as long logic is applied, not hate.
Yours faithfully,
Vassan Ramracha
