Is freedom of speech still alive?

19.MAY.06

Editor: Some persons are saying freedom of speech is under threat in this country. When Dr. Gonsalves came on the scene, I felt that he brought a new dimension of freedom of speech; Dr. Gonsalves was seen as the person who will make a difference – that he did!

I could have criticized and questioned him on anything I used to love that about him; he created an awareness for people to believe in themselves. Dr. Gonsalves eventually became Prime Minister and things started changing I no longer feel like I could criticize and question him anymore. {{more}}Dr. Gonsalves thinks that he is immune to criticism and it seems to be contagious; persons like Lennox Bowman, Cecil Ryan, Anthony Dennie, Burns Bonadie and Noel Jackson, just to name a few, think that our Prime Minister should not be criticized.

Dr. Gonsalves, explain to me why this drastic change? Do you think that freedom of speech is no longer important?

You promised us good governance, accountability and transparency, so why when I question the policies of your government, members of the ULP get so upset? Prime Minister, I know you have to make new friends but right after you became Prime Minister you went to Libya, you visited Cuba so often, Chavez is known to be your best friend, the Prime Minister of Malaysia came here recently – these countries that we have as friends do they have freedom of speech, freedom of choice and what about their democracy?

So I question our relationship with these countries. I guess that’s why our freedom of speech seems to be under threat. What are the benefits to be derived from the relationship with these countries? I hope their democracy is not contagious.

Dr. Gonsalves, please spend some time developing our foreign policy, maintaining our relationship with the rest of the world, i.e. USA. I don’t think this is criticism of your government’s foreign policy, it is just advice about the way forward and who should be our friends.

Kingsley DeFreitas