Dear Editor,
The MV Barima tragedy has broken my heart. My prayers will continue interceding for our brothers and sisters who were on board the MV Barima, and especially for those who have lost family and friends.
Listening to the many accounts from survivors describing what took place that dreadful night, makes me envision myself in their shoes, trapped in the bowels of the 87-year-old MV Barima. Images of struggles, pain and suffering are what came to mind, as I take in the news of one of the survivors losing her seven grandchildren all at once. It is a tragedy beyond words.
What baffles me most and leaves me speechless is the cavalcade of misinformation that appeared to be emanating from the government’s side. At a time when the public needed reassurance that authorities were going to take control of this tragic situation, we were instead- drowning in misinformation and becoming helpless in determining what the truth was.
Minister Edghill must take accountability for this. It started with him, and he should own up to causing this distrust and skepticism that we, the public, are now feeling towards the government. The erosion of the truth in recent times has altered the way I will accept information coming from the government. Incidents such as the cows trapped in the truck and questions about the President’s farm have made me more cautious about accepting official statements without question.
The other scenario that troubles me also has to do with the silencing of the media or more importantly the silencing of the Kiskadee Watch reporter. Dr. Frank Anthony ordered the reporter from Kiskadee Watch to be removed. He first asked her, “who is this?” then banished her. His actions raise serious questions.
Why do I feel like we are experiencing the chilling effect of media chastisement? Kiskadee Watch is an independent news agency, promoting transparency and democracy. Does this scare the current government?
These actions remind us of Guyana’s dark days. We have come a long way to have to repeat our past. Kiskadee Watch is an independent news agency that seeks to promote transparency and accountability. Rather than viewing independent journalism as a threat, any democratic government should welcome scrutiny and the free flow of information, particularly during times of national tragedy.