Dear Editor,
It is public knowledge that my contract with the State-owned Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) for the column “Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis” was terminated. This did not come as a surprise to me for recent developments suggested that the powers that be were not comfortable with my points of view, particularly those that sought to hold them accountable as a caring representative, inclusionary Government that is just and fair.
Let me state upfront as a trade unionist I understand it is the right of any employer to terminate a contract. What bothers me most is not the mere termination of the contract which is within their right to so do; it is the insidious nature of the act that suggests that Guyana is not moving forward. This termination is interpreted by me as an act of suppression in the State-owned newspaper that is responsible to the people of Guyana, but continues to see Government moving to manage and control.
It is time for change where every citizen and group, regardless of political affiliation, be given un-biased access and coverage in the people’s organ. A strong and astute government functioning democratically should have the ability to counter views and create an environment of public education and gain support for their programmes, which will only happen if people see these as progressive and beneficial to them. In reality this Government’s weakness is its inability to avoid public consternation on basic matters and requirements that speak to good governance. In fact, many in this government are thin-skinned and petty.
In this information/communication era the Government should be mindful that they cannot stop the people’s desire for transparency, inclusion and accountability which international expectations and relations are built on. It is backward and counter-productive to want to do otherwise.
Society expects successive governments to do better than its predecessor because it is based on discontent with the predecessor that the incumbent would have gained power. State media, fundamental rights and freedoms suppression are some of the things the people expressed their discontent with prior to May 2015. These must not now continue under this Administration and they must know they will not have our silence or support. Many supporters and well-wishers are being done an injustice and rightfully feel dissatisfied.
For two years I have written the Sunday column “Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis.” In my lifetime as a trade unionist I have discharged of my duties without fear or favour through successive governments and oppositions. I have held all and sundry accountable. I will not stop now. The termination of this column will not still my interest or activism- it will not still my voice, for as long as there are politicians, leaders or anyone whose action threatens society’s well-being that is conducive to labour’s survival they shall hear from me. My eye remains focused on Guyana.
This opportunity is taken to thank the many who have supported my column throughout the years and those who offered valued advice, including those who have expressed concern for the implications to society and development.
It would be naïve to think that the Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams unilaterally disposed of myself and David Hinds as columnists in the State newspaper. Hopefully he will not be made the fall guy for adhering to what is evidently political interference.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Lewis