Dear Editor,
After living in America for 40 years without fear, I have spent the last 10 years in Guyana feeling that I must constantly watch what I say, write, and do.
I feel compelled to be careful about the words I use, the opinions I express, and even the people with whom I associate, including those involved in politics. There is a perception that criticising the country, politicians, the government, the President, the police, or influential individuals can lead to retaliation, intimidation, or victimisation.
During my 40 years in America, I never felt the need to live this way. I enjoyed the freedom to speak openly, express my views, and associate with whomever I chose without fear of retribution. Freedom of speech and freedom of association were rights I took for granted.
Returning to the country of my birth has left me feeling that many of those freedoms have been diminished. The sense of liberty I experienced for four decades is something I deeply miss.