Dear Editor,
I write in response to my friend Freddie Kissoon questioning the authenticity and findings of polls conducted by reputed internationally known pollster and writer Dr. Vishnu Bisram. I am in agreement with Dr Bisram’s NACTA polls found support for Glenn and Azruddin.
I don’t know Dr Bisram personally, but I am impressed with his academic credentials and am aware of his polling, community activism, and writings. People in America and Trinidad spoke highly of him during my interactions in regular visits to both places, I saw his polling sheets. I met Dr. Bisram a few times very briefly after religious service – at mandirs and at homes of chelas and at public forums. I never had opportunities for lengthy engagements, but I hope it will be possible to have discussions on the politics of Guyana.
He is among a few (including GHK Lall, Chris Ram, Ravi Dev, Keith Bernard, Dr. Rattan, etc.) who command respect in the media. Clearly, he does not fear harassment, intimidation, and victimization from officials and government paid attackers), and he has no axe to grind by going after any particular individual unlike how Freddie personally attacks people. Dr Bisram speaks his mind and is not a paid propagandist. Dr. Bisram is a middle of the road, fair, objective commentator, praising and critiquing politicians of both sides of the aisle as well as government and opposition, a respected scholar Freddie can never be.
Editor, it is an established fact that people are fearful to speak publicly about governance and government officials; they are afraid of the consequences of freedom of speech and as such speak in utmost confidence. Does this explain why Freddie (and he also quoted one Harry Nawbatt who also) said he (they) never came across anyone who was polled by NACTA. Pollsters CADRES, Gallup, IRI, another American pollster who polled last year, LAPOP, two other American pollsters (hired by the PPP) over the last two years, Mercury, and an Indian firm conducted polls or are polling in Guyana. American pollsters also conducted polls for the American government and for AFC.
Jamaican and other American pollsters conducted polls for APNU (AFC) for the 2015 and 2020 elections. Were Freddie and Nawbatt ever interviewed by these dozens of polls? What purpose would be served asking the duo for their opinions? Freddie stated ahead of every election since 1992 how he would vote (proudly stating it would be against the PPP); for 2025, he said he will vote PPP.
He described Irfaan Ali as Guyana’s best ever President, better than Jagdeo, Janet, and Cheddi. His new found Comrade Nawbatt has been a long time PPP former Central Committee member, Minister and Ambassador. He has slavishly defended the PPP as one would expect of a PPP activist. What purpose would be served asking them how they plan to vote?
Freddie is out of touch with reality on the ground. Ever since he became a hired hitman for the PPP, he has lost respect and readership. The public views him as a sell out who sings for his daily supper. He has rotated from being a vociferous critic of the PPP (1992 thru 2020) to one of its most rabid defenders and promoters. Is it because his daughter is employed by Irfaan Ali? Is he also being paid by a businessperson for his daily attack on the opposition and on others like Terrence Campbell, Dr. Bisram, Nigel Hughes and other figures of repute and integrity? How much state funds are Freddie being paid for the social media shows he has been hosting?
While I am not a pollster, and Freddie is no pollster either, my conclusions from interactions with people around the country replicate the findings of Dr Bisram’s surveys. Unlike Freddie who hardly travels and rarely (if ever) interacts with the masses, like i make mention many times on his show, I am grounded in communities.
I travel extensively as a Pandit and social activist, helping people. I know the general feelings on the ground. I can also attest that my interactions with voters found Glenn Lall and Azruddin Mohamed having substantial support; they would make a difference in the elections.
By the way my friend Freddie, something is still on my chest when you referred that Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham is “Demon” on your show, I must remind you if wasn’t for Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham you shouldn’t have a free education today. Why would you question other people’s academic achievement?
Isn’t it true that your issue with Dr. Bisram is not polling but some other hang up?
Yours truly,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor City of Georgetown
