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In support of Freddie Kissoon
February 8, 2012 | By KNews | Filed Under Letters




Dear Editor,
I stand in solidarity with Mr. Freddie Kissoon, as he and many Guyanese, react with justifiable revulsion, against the unwarranted refusal to renew his contract as a lecturer at the University of Guyana.
Was the Mr. Kissoon ever called by those who decided on this course of action, to answer any charges of breach of the terms of his contract, or for non-or poor performance of his teaching obligations, or for gross misconduct incompatible with his status as lecturer? Have his students revolted against him? Did the Professor fail to take required procedural steps for renewal of his contract?
What the public knows as a fact is that Freddie Kissoon has been a passionate social and political activist, member/supporter of political organizations which have been relentlessly attacked by regimes in power, and in recent times has been unyielding in his exposure and denunciation of malpractices by functionaries occupying public offices all over the land and a protagonist of fundamental ideas of propriety, integrity and fairness.
Freddie Kissoon as a columnist grievously annoys many by his probing journalism and is feared by many who wield power. He has stood up against those whom he feels have misgoverned and have abused power.
We have quite a history of employers, in business and in government, resorting to the ultimate act of intimidation and terror, against working people, by threatening to fire or firing them, for advancing workers’ rights and for acts that are considered destabilizing and disruptive.
Let’s not permit this to continue.
The University of Guyana is a very important place, where the seeds for flourishing of the intellect and ideas, are being sown. Since its establishment politicians have kept a close watch, guarding against β€œsubversive ideas”.
As great as the issue of the unfairness and injustice to Kissoon in his personal tragedy, is the protection of the right to stand up and speak out, the freedom to publish ideas widely and in all forms, and freedom of our teachers not merely to teach students, and to consolidate greatness and effectiveness of the institutions of learning but also to become part of the dynamic of social progress and advancement of all people.
Not only do I ask for the reinstatement of Freddie Kissoon but I wish to raise for critical reconsideration the presence, role and qualifications of politicians and political appointees in the administration of the University of Guyana.

Moses Bhagwan

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Mr. Bhagan ought to understand that this issue between Freddie Kissoon and the UG is being taken advantage of by people who do not believe in free expression. They are only their because an opportunity has presented itself to drive blows at the PPP/Civic government. The PPP is party of great compromise and they can and will resolve this matter in the coming weeks. The issue with government and Stabroek News over government ads being pulled by Jagdeo was easily resolved. I am sure the PPP will work towards a solution and put this matter to rest. Moses Bhagwan should demand that the rest of the PNC and AFC coucillors On UG board to come forward state why they decided to push Freddie overboard. Don't place all the blame on the government. The board of UG is dominated by people loyal to opposition.
Billy Ram Balgobin
Freddy Kisson may be alot of things but as far as teaching at the University/College level is concerned the man is excellent.

If Kisson was at a teaching focused college in the United States (I am excluding Canada because of hidden/strategic racism) and had put in the amount of years of service that he did at UG then he would have reached Head of Department by now.
Wally

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