Dear Editor

As most Jamaicans will know, I do not mind being criticised and am in fact more used to severe and often unjustified criticism than most people. Everyone is entitled to his opinion and journalists should understand better than most that opinion should be based, even loosely, on fact. From time to time journalism appears to attract poseurs, without pedigree, portfolio or any proof that they understand or practise the profession of journalism or are conversant with any ethical guidelines. In their fact-free paradise they feel free to abuse anyone with whom they do not agree, without having to offer any reason except personal dislike or distaste. For instance:

“Here in Jamaica we have among us many of leftist ilk from academia, journalists from the print and electronic media – veteran and otherwise – and an across-the-board intelligentsia who always have supported and still do support this cruel and anachronistic dictatorship in Cuba. Shame on them.”

What is this but vulgar abuse? It is certainly not journalism What is objectionable about “leftist ilk” (apart from stylistic absurdity) and who are these stereotypical bugaboos? According to Lance Robinson, described in your paper as a “freelance journalist” the western press has been “gobbling up Cuban propaganda for years”. He obviously lives in a different universe.

Hate speech, no matter how genteel, is not journalism, whether directed at the Cuban people or their government or at journalists like myself who are their friends.

John Maxwell

Amsterdam

The Netherlands