Making the front page
I had a rude awakening this morning, firstly from a car horn being blown outside at 6am, then from the front page of Guyana’s .
Under the headline “±«Óătv’s Martin Gough insulting journalism” a comment piece roundly lambasts yesterday’s blog in which I described my first two days in Guyana.
“To witness the gutter journalism from a ±«Óătv Sport correspondent is the largest indication to date that British society has certainly declined,” it says.
“Please don’t come again Mr Gough. We recommend a life for you on some small Pacific island.”
Needless to say, I was a little taken aback.
The sort of descriptive piece I could easily have written a few months ago after a stroll around Wembley Stadium on a gloomy day has been read as an indictment of a nation.
My colleague Michael Hortin from ±«Óătv Regions has been trying to book an interview with Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo, who apparently has been an avid reader too.
If you took offence, I apologise. I am in Guyana for 14 more days, during which time I expect to have far more positive experiences to pass on and I hope it won’t all be taken in the same way.
( to see Martin talking about the reaction to his column on ±«Óătv World's "My Cricket World Cup")
Meanwhile, an update from yesterday’s trip to the zoo: Ravi Bopara was pleased to see the big cats, including a lion, but didn’t manage to see the , for which the zoo is most famous.
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With this and your comments about minnows, you are beginning to look like something of a wind-up merchant.
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Wow. Talk about being a little sensitive. I think the article was fine with the exception of the last paragraphand didn't get the feeling that you were, for want of a better expression slagging off Guyana... more than you were experiencing a culture shock. Surely that's natural. The comment about the hotel was pretty snobby, though, which I think is probably what inspired the backlash.
Ironically, I currently have an article in draft form at Six and Out, entitled "Where the hell is Guyana?". I'm going to extend my review process as a result of this!
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Kaieteur News, hmm. Seems you touched a few sore points, Martin...
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Martin,
The Kaiteur News editorial was a bit harsh due to your original blog being taken out of context. Your tone could have come across a bit sarcastic.
It has been a really hard struggle for Guyana in the last 25 years, but there are a lot hard working people trying to make things better. Getting to this stage of having the Super 8 matches has been a massive achievement.
Take all the reactions to your blogs as a compliment. We do care what you experience and write about. It is really important that our guests really enjoy themselves.
Once again, enjoy your stay in Guyana.
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Martin
I guess you should have stuck to writing American Football articles for Extra Point then! At least we didn't give you such a hard time.
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Glad to hear that you are enjoying Guayana Martin! I thought yesterdays blog was prety accurate.
I have a question that is not really related to todays blog, but does any one know who ordered Pakistan to remain in their dressing room in their match against England last year?
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jesus christ. i really feel for u! you have done nothing wrong!!! surely it is their journalism which is poor if they think your article was so offensive to be on the front page of their paper!!!
hope u have a gr8 time for the rest of the world cup!
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I was visiting Guyana myself last November and was taken to the zoo. I was more shocked by the cramped conditions the lions and eagles were kept in than the manatees in the lake to the right of the zoo entrance. The cricket ground and hotel by the side of it needed a lot of work doing then, hope its ready on time! Have you been on a local bus yet? Good luck!! I stayed at the pegasus and received a warm welcome. Enjoy the late night rums and dont forget to bring back some silver jewellery from the shops. Their security seems over the top but its safe to browse inside.
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I am not sure how you expected your comments to be taken. They were pretty harsh after all the effort that has gone into preparing for the CWC matches. I’m the first to admit that Guyana has its fair share of problems and preparing to host the CWC matches has been a tremendous challenge, but with hard work and dedication we have achieved what many thought we couldn’t. I hope the rest of your stay in Guyana is more positive even after making the front page of one of our most widely circulated newspapers.
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Do Guyana a favour and follow the Kaieteur News advise and leave the beautiful shores of Guyana immediately and never return.Go live in your one bedroom apartment(probably not bigger than 10ftx10ft) like most of UK does.
Oh those houses that you saw are already paid for by its occupants.You will have to work a lifetime to pay for your
tiny space.
Happy World Cup Guyana!
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I love how you seem so shocked that so many of us were offended by what you wrote. Although your intent may have been otherwise, you came across as an ignorant pampered white man who has never stepped out of his comfort zone. More than anything I felt embarrassed for you. Guyana is a poor country; I’m not quite sure what you were expecting. Also, you need to do your research; tickets start at US$25. Well done. Apart from that I don’t need to tell you all the good things about Guyana, everyone else seems to have done that successfully. Hopefully I’ll bump into you at the bar of your rudimentary hotel, my friends and I might be able to cure your depression, Guyanese style.
oh and in response to the comment posted by petet hough or whatever your name is, not sure if you've actually been following the cricket but the matches in Guyana are not being played at Bourda (the cricket ground near the zoo). They built a new stadium.
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Even though I’m a loyal Bangladeshi fan, I certainly didn’t take offence to your comments. But I it will be difficult for me (and most other fans) to take any of your editorials or commentaries about cricket seriously in the future. I will certainly look forward to your writings on croquet. Beside the ICC is to blame for India and Pakistan’s early exit. They forgot to send their memo to the “minnows” instructing them to lose. Best wishes.
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I like this bit:
"You would not know that your life can be ended suddenly at a football match in the Premier League in any British city when opposing fans descend to senseless barbarism."
Dear oh dear.
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That Guyanese newspaper article seems a bit chip-on-the-shoulder racist, doesn't it? Employing much bigger generalisations than those employed on Martin Gough's supposedly offensive blog.
I'm a football fan but I've not seen hordes of fans descend into "barbarism". I'm also pretty sure that the contents of one journalist's blog doesn't signify the supposed deterioration of British society.
All in all that newspaper article seems to be the work of a petulant child.
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I am really dissappointed in the way you made your comments on our country.We as guyanese people have worked very hard to prepare for cricket world cup and to have someone like you come and try to criticise our country like that wasnt very nice. Yes it has been raining in guyana for the past week but guess what Mr.GOugh GOd must have heard the horrible things you said about our country and now we have bright sunshine today (tuesday 27th March).
We will prove you very wrong and deliver some great matches here in guyana and also watch out for the crowd.We may be poor but the passion we have for cricket will still get us into the ground
Thank you
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Now I'm actually mad!!!!!!!!
" the sort of "descriptive" piece...... has been read as an indictment of a nation"
WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING? Giving us a five star review?
-You insulted our country(OK... we have issues like any where else in the world);
-You belittled our people(loose reference to wages and living conditions..... but OK, again we have issues like any where else in the world);
BUT PLEASE Mr Gough DONOT insult our intelligence!!! If those comments truly reflect how you feel, then stand by them and take the heat like a man. After the all the damage has already been done!
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Considering that your article on minnow not belonging in the super eights is one of the worst pieces of rubbish I have ever read on ±«Óătv Sport, It would appear that you are on a roll sir.
I would suggest you think before you start typing. Actually, in your present frame of mind, just take a break.
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A little touchy, aren't we? We Guyanese must realize that we're running with the big dogs now. We are on the world stage. The media spotlight can be uncompromising and sometimes even harsh.
After we get past the poor planning, the CWC snafus, the rain and the loss of India and Pakistan, perhaps Gough may see a side of Guyana he may remember fondly (Somebody please get this man some Ten-Year-Old-and Coke and a puri to go with his cook-up rice with a side of fried fish).
Meanwhile the appeals to patriotism will not get us past the objective realities and difficulties Guyana faces hosting these games. There were some major FUBARs and I hope the Kaieteur and other Guyanese media will take a serious look at those in time. It beats crying at the slightest hint of another point of view.
gb:
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I must say that it amazes me that an ignorant person like yourself who has no knowledge about the game or an interest in the actual sport has been choosen to cover this coveted event. It seems like you won a holiday in a lottery contest and are rather lucky to be out there!
Shame really: that the ±«Óătv is full of real Cricket lovers and they didn't even get the chance because you were given it! I wonder why???????????
Ever been to hotel in London????? At least Guyana is beautuful and the people are lovely! London.....yea well...says it all. Colonial mentality dies hard!
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Martin,
I agree whole-heartedly with the opinion of the Kaieteur News and suggest you learn a little more about other cultures before inflicting yourself on them. Please don't embarass us Brits any further.
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Well, Martin ur column stinks, our country has come a long way and our President is working very hard for its best interest and the people of guyana. How dare u insult us. Didnt read about st. kitts half finished stadium and that the tickets were given free. I guess u guys in the big countries trying to talk us down because u wanted to host the the CWC there and show off. Well go investigate and write on ur own country's problems. Dont come back. We r Guyanese and Proud to be Guyanese and we stand by our Government of Guyana
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Maybe the front page comment was gratuitous but so were a few things you said. My opinion is that as an outside observer you are free to make comments particularly since you are visiting for the first. But most of the supposed ills you wrote of as it regard my country I perceive was general knowledge which is why I made no fuss. Interestingly, Guyana is now hooked on Martin Gough, who was unheard of in these parts until now. Now is there really need to feel bad, you are popular! Perhaps the positives you spoke of will be reason enough to come again or I think not. Well be my guest…
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HI MARTIN,
As a patriotic Guyanese, I am hurt by your comments. It is obvious you have yet to experience hospitality in its true form from my fellow Guyanese.
I will not waste my time to comment on your first impression of my country because I will not allow you to reduce me to your level.
We can take all the slagging, but, at least spend a few more days in my country before making hasty conclusions.
Have a proper drink, good rum and coke and enjoy our natural beauty....waterfalls, flora and fauna.
As we say in Guyana....ONE LOVE.
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Personally i wasn't too bothered about your comments regarding this story. It was your comments about Ireland and Bangladesh not belonging in the Super 8's that were absolutely ridiculous.
Had a front page report on that blog been done lambasting you then it would have been fully deserved.
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-"The sort of descriptive piece I could easily have written a few months ago after a stroll around Wembley Stadium on a gloomy day has been read as an indictment of a nation"
You could have written the same piece about wembly stadium BUT you didn't.
why?
Guyana is a third world country.
Do you expect it to be like a world power?
everyone has their own opinion, and i think everyone should be entitled to it,however, as a reporter, politeness is a big part of stating your opinion. Especially when it's read worldwide.
Guyana is not as developed as the U.K, but i doubt any Guyanaese reporter will go to England and write a blog stating how its been raining for the past two days in England.
Sorry, we don't control the weather!
I certainly hope your view of Guyana changes in the next few weeks.
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The manatees are not actually in the zoo but in a large pond to the right of the pathway to the zoo.
Dont visit too late in the afternoon as they sleep early!
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You mock at our poverty, while half of it is left over from the days of British rule, where they left our country in independence, covered with turmoil. And yet you do not expect Guyanese to have your article bruise them like sandpaper on silk?
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It's your brand of cockiness and unabashed "Windsorism" that perpetuates a global environment that ferments extremism because the less affluent of the world become really agitated by idiocy that is born out of (your) basic lack of appreciation for diversity, cultural differences, and in the case of Guyana (a former British colony), British exploitation attributable to the days of the slave trade and indentureship. All you need to do is give thanks to the almighty for the opportunnity to see another country and if its not in keeping with your expectation, we will willingly show you the way to Timehri instantly.
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Martin don't bother with kaieteur news. It is a rag that once put a headless body on its front page. Once again they 'doth protest too much' just to sell some newpsapers.
Alot of people here live in denial about their country and when foreigners actually write something accurate they cant handle it. But there are many who agree with you.
Just keep it real
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Wow, blogging sure leaves you open to criticism doesn't it? I think a lot of the flak that has flown Martin Gough's way is completely unfounded and certainly way over the top.
Anyone with any brain cells whatsover can see that it was not his intention to patronise or insult the Guyanese people, but to describe what he what experiencing - a culture shock. Whose perspective can he write from other than his own?
Do people really want such bland journalism where journalists have to tailor every line of text for fear of insulting someone? As someone else pointed out, there's a lot of chips on shoulders.
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Something that may have passed a few of the non-British readers of this blog by: we British use sarcasm and irony quite heavily. There is often considerably more to what we say and write than initially comes across.
We're sorry. We can't help it. It's in our nature.
Have a great World Cup -- I'm sure Guyana will do a great job.
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Kaieteur News is a tabloid, like the Sun or any other reactionary newspaper, with a similarly suspect record. If you had bothered to ask anyone they would've told you.
The fact that you didn't, or wish for it to appear so would support Mr. Kissoon's rant. Your position isn't helped by the fact that your original post has quite a few half-truths, and is negative in nature.
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Please ask your Government who made Guyana a poor country.Brits stole our richness.Check your History before u start criticizing guyana
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What ever your name is, don't worry about it....
more imporatnt, is it true... that a protest is to be made against Muralitharan's action.....?
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Mr. Gough, while I welcome you to my beautiful country, I ask that you come with an open and objective mind.
Guyana is very proud to be one of the hosts for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup and we have done EVERYTHING in our power to make your stay (and all the visitors) a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Guyanese people are known and appreciated for being friendly and honest and I'm sure you were surprised by the article in our Kaieteur News. We were disappointed and outraged by your seemingly ungrateful and insulting comments.
While we do not have lovely blue waters like the rest of the Caribbean does, our history and culture is like no other. We have wonderful freshwater creeks and resorts, majestic waterfalls and so many other natural attractions that is simply breathtaking.
To say that the rest of your stay in Guyana would be no holiday is such a narrow-minded thing to say based on the first day of your arrival.
Take the time to sample our food, culture and see the sights that we are proud of.
I hope you have a wonderful stay in Guyana.
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I forgot to add something:
The manatees are also in a pond in the National Park.
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Hi Mr Gough, I am very sorry about the comments you made about or poor and worthless country. I know that we are poor and rain falls alot but if you could grace us with some money to make our country rich and also speak to the clouds for us so that rain does not fall, that would be great.
Then we would no longer be poor and rainy.
Thanks for the help.
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Well to think I thought I was leading in the race between us to get ourselves killed.
Both the tabloid and the responses on this blog are hilarious (apart from the stuff about the manatees - that's quite useful), the people doth protest too much methinks.
Especially as the criticism seems to go two ways -either you were wrong and Guyana is really beautiful, or you were right but there's a good reason for it.
Anyway if I want an idealised picture, I'll contact the Tourist Board.
And if I want a personal impression (emphasis on the 'personal') from someone whose judgement I trust, I'll read your blog.
Keep up the good work, and check under your car from now on...
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yo marty! don't be taken aback you'er the one who came out with your guns blazing...and i notice that most of your supporters here are surprise surprise not from Guyana or probably ever been to Guyana...we'll keep our problems and solve them ourselves...if you don't come back we'll keep your spot warm until
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Dear Martin,
I do not know you and I do not get offended by whatever negatives(??) you or any one writes about my lovely and dear land of birth. I think that you are a wonderfull person because God created all of us, including you. do not expose the devilish side of yourself.This is my land and I am happy here. God speed !!
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To all the Guyanese complaining about this blog; "Grow up!"
What did you expect? That no one would talk about the ineptitude and dysfunction in the country? I'm Guyanese and I'm not offended by anything that has been said. It's been my contention all along that given the problems confronting the country, the govt. should never have bid for World Cup matches. Trinidad did not make a serious effort to get any matches and that decision is looking wiser with each passing day.
In the next 10 days when all the visitors are gone you will be left holding the bag; having been scammed by the ICC, WICB, and your own government. How will the the stadium loan be repaid? Given a choice between bread or circuses, the govt. chose circuses and its the small man who will feel the pain after the music stops.
Where are the hordes of visitors that were supposed to attend the games? Where are the promised cruise ships of tourists that were supposed to dock in the Demerara River?
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Mr' Gough tell Ravi that in order to see the Manatees he needs to go to he pond in the Botanical Gardens Just out Side the Zoo
Clayton
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Martin, my man...you really stirred up a hornet's nest with that blog..
It's a nice country after you give it a few days...have a rum (10 yr old at least) and coke, sample de food and chill!!
oh..and enjoy de cricket, too
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Mr. Gough, although I respect your freedom of expression and journalistic rights, your comments about Guyana have been unfair or atlest immature to say the least.
I am not defending the level of poverty in Guyana, but unlike the rest of the Caribbean, we do not hide our poverty to promote tourism.
You are wrong, there would be more Guyanese showing up to the cricket games than foreigners. That is a fact, because of the lack of foreign visitors to CWC.
If your hotel is rudimentary, then that is not the fault of the Guyanese people by any measure. It is your fault for not booking a better one.
Anyway you cannot blame the Guyanese people for giving you a taste of your own medicine. I hope they judge you as fast as you judge them and view you with the same amount of scorn.
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Mr. Gough,
Your intentions of writing the column in question is quite clear, and the newspaper in Guyana responded accordingly.
If you want to complain, then be my guest. However, be fair and start with YOUR country's impact on Guyana's economic growth and development from the pre-independence era.
Let me remind you, Mr. Gough, that Guyana would not be in it's currect state of affairs had it not been for the British.
If you cannot stand the heat, Mr. Gough, then I suggest you book your plane tickets and fly off to a land where you can expect a bed of roses.
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Good lord.
I can't believe that THAT was the blog that all this hype has been about !!!!!
Sorry, I tried to be really "third world" about it, tried to be mymost indignant self, couldn't understand what part of it certified as "hitleristic."
Hmm .. Guyana.. Get a life. Become a Paki for a day and see how the media talks about us during a test match in Karachi :D
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To all those who've spoken about Guyana's natural beauty and 15-yr old rums - you're barking up the wrong tree. Guyana was not selected to host the CWC because its scenery is pretty or because of the fact that it's renowned for alcohol. As with all other stadia and cities in the world, a certain basic level of infrastructure is required to stage a sporting event. If you don't have that infrastructure - either don't bid to host the event, or, if you do, be open to criticism if you don't do your job well. The rum isn't going to compensate for lack of internet connectivity, for example.
Honestly, this CWC has failed to stir up the legendary Caribbean atmosphere, and neither has it reached an adequate level of facilities. I'm not saying who's fault this is, but it's a huge disappointment and I think it's that disappointment which brought about the editorial piece.
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Indeed, "really, where did the ±«Óătv find this disoriented soul?" - Kaietuer News, March 27, 2007.
Martin Gough, your blog on Guyana really exposed your ignorance. Even an unseasoned traveler would know that each country is unique and not exactly the same. Guyana is a part of South America – what did you expect it to look like - London? Incidentally, the smog-filled air that threatened to choke the life out of me in your esteemed city is an unforgettable memory of my visit there.
If you can control when it rains, why not go ahead, you will create a record other than that for plundering my country of its wealth - the reason for the "poor houses" you talked about and in the recent words of President Bharrat Jagdeo, 'the African holocaust of slavery'. The memory of those days, freedom from which we recently commemorated, reminds us that you are a people who think they are God and expect all other human races to worship you. When you give us reparation, we will build Buckingham-style palaces for you to stay in next time - but by then you might be too poor to afford the trip, having repaid what you stole.
By the way, the “poor” people’s support at Sunday’s game between West Indies and Sri Lanka really put to shame your small-minded prediction that they were unlikely to afford being there.
Much of the joy in being a journalist comes from visiting different places and experiencing the challenges that are unlike what we are accustomed. So stop complaining like a menopausal sissy!
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Martin,
HOW can you make an analysis of our country when you just arrived? Idaresay guyana is noter for its kind hospitality and friendly people.wWe are aproud hosting of world cuup 2007.I am surprised that you failed to mention that even though we are considered a poor nation we give the best showing at the world cup spectators wise.
the government of PRESIDENT BHARAT JAGDEO NEEDS TO BE COMMENDED FOR SUCH GREAT EFFORT.Instead you DISSING guyana and guyanese.
You need to go back and do your history and see what you BRITISH has done for us after we gained independence.
However ,sir , we are apeaceful people we hsve struggled and are struggling but we are going places too.
please write the positives about your experiences too.
AND ENJOY THE WORLD CUP.
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If I were you, I'd stick to my first opinion. It was honest and straight up. I got from the rumours going around that your article was somewhat an insult to our country and people but after just reading it...I'm puzzled as to how people took offence to it.
If I were you I'd ignore the writers of Kaiteur. In my personal opinon Kaiteur is an embarassment for good writing and journalism. That statement might piss them off since in Guyana it doesn't seem like one is allowed to have their own opinon unless it's in agreement with the masses.
So you came to the country, you pointed out the negatives which was obvious so WHAT?
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so the cricket has left guyana but i noticed an article in yet another paper about your blog and decided 2 check out the whole thing and your response and not just rely on that piece in the kaieteur and other papers,(a bit late eh?)you seem to have been skewered by some of the folks that read your blog so i won't add to that but i will just say that i hope that you were suitably chastised and while i appreciate sam korn for enlightening us about the "british" way of saying things it really doesnt excuse what was said or how it was said.and for shaikh,u sound even worse than the blog,as some ppl say u can never understand something(a situation) unless you have lived it and no matter how"THIRD WORLD" you try to be unless you are from this third world contry and have that sense of patriotism then naturally u wouldn't understand what we guyanese felt upon reading the blog.my advice to you would be-if you don't understand ask or be silent!.and to you mr gough always remember that one should never be quick to judge and even if something is not to your liking leave that window oh hope that it may change,and while it is a given that there was rain and there are "poor houses" and there is no reason for you to look down your nose at guyana.while it may not have been your intent it is however how the greater population felt.in any case i hope that your stay here was great and your initial"impression" was changed.
P.S. that defence of culture shock is crap im pretty sure christopher colombus had a culture shock when he got on shore and say the amerindian people half naked but he ajusted and looked at the economic oppurtunity.All mr. gough saw was rain and some older looking houses and some puddles with water,i am pretty sure he has seen these things before if not in reality on the television.
peace,n love folks!!
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