Dear Editor,
For almost four decades, Stabroek News has been a common feature of Guyanese life as a principled and reliable news source. This newspaper was not only a means of information for me, but it also offered me space, almost daily, in its letter section, to express my thoughts about many subjects. Via this newspaper, I shared my views, concerns, and responded to others’ commentary or assertions on matters I believed were important. My letters to Stabroek News started many years ago, when I used either blue or black ink pens to chronicle my ideas in letters to the editor. From handwritten letters, I graduated using a typewriter and later a computer. I literally began writing letters to the editor through Stabroek News, which was accommodating enough to give me that space I needed to ask hard questions and engage in challenging topics and conversations, and for that I am grateful! This newspaper has therefore been a part of my life for all my adult years, as I used it as a means of civic engagement to discuss and speak freely on issues I believe were of national importance.
Today, news of Stabroek News’ decision to close its doors and cease its operation has not only caused me to reflect on the important role this reliable media has played over the many years, but this announcement also leaves me to ponder the void it will leave in a society where uncompromised, ethical, responsible, fair, courageous, and professional journalism and media reporting are even more crucial now. Stabroek News, over its many years of operation, has proved itself to be a truly independent media that is largely committed to upholding the principles by which professional media operate. One such principle is publishing views or opinions you may disagree with or do not necessarily endorse. Over the years, I’ve also witnessed the newspapers taking responsibility to provide balance and correct inaccurate information by allowing for a counter-narrative to be published. I have had that experience, and I was grateful that Stabroek News decided to publish my take on the matter to provide clarity and truth to the issue. I also recalled writing to Stabroek to enquire why there was no publication of an earlier letter I and the newspaper published that letter with a caveat to explain. It was a demonstration of a commitment to fair, balanced, ethical, and responsible journalism.
It is depressing news to learn that Stabroek News decided to end its media operation in Guyana, especially during this period of Guyana’s history, where allegations of massive public corruption are rife, coupled with a situation where the nation’s important resources, such as gold and oil, appear to be either corruptly exploited or used as personal political bargaining chips by those who are the custodians of executive power. These issues, which may require a laser-like posture by the independent media, seem too often to quickly disappear from public scrutiny and conversation without any investigation, recommendation, or solution. In short, there appears to be no accountability. This unfortunate situation can become even more dangerous with a reputable news organization, like Stabroek News, retreating from the media landscape in Guyana. There seems to be an established strategy by those who are alleged to be involved in corrupt practices to escape scrutiny by rebuffing or ignoring the issue and allowing it to die a quick death. For them, this is the way to escape real scrutiny by waiting for the independent media to quickly look away, because they are too tired or too afraid to hold public office holders accountable. There seems to be an unwritten agreement between the state media and the executive to cover up or ignore allegations of public corruption in government.
With the exit of Stabroek News, the threat of an even more unaccountable government looms large. However, I remain hopeful that the legacy to be left by Stabroek News may become a catalyst to compel others in the media business to act with true independence and stand true to professional journalistic ethics and media reporting. I thank Stabroek News for allowing me space in its letter column for so many years to share my views. The papers provided a space for me when the state media effectively shut me out. In a true democracy, you don’t have to like and approve of someone’s opinion to allow that opinion to be expressed freely. I don’t know that Stabroek News endorsed my opinions, but I know that, for the most part, it published them, and that free and unhindered expression of speech is truly a foundation of free press and, by extension, democracy. It is actions like these that distinguish an independent media from a compromised, politically corrupt, and tainted press. Such a press has allegiance to autocratic, despotic regimes, and this is what helps to, fundamentally, separate democratic nations from undemocratic ones.
In this, the last letter, I wish the management and staff of Stabroek News well in their future endeavors. You have served the nation well. You’ve set a standard for others in the media, especially the printed media landscape in Guyana, to follow. Thanks again for allowing me to speak through your letter column.