THE EDITOR, Sir:
OVER THE years, Dr. Vasciannie has produced some fine pieces of journalistic craftsmanship, but on days like today, when I read his article, I feel that the good year for journalism was indeed an 'almost'. His position raises some questions in my mind.
Firstly, does Dr. Vasciannie think so little of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), that he would assume that their inability to grant an award to Wilmot 'Mutty' Perkins was based simply on 'ideological bias'? I am quite sure that Dr. Vasciannie, as gifted and talented as he may very well be, is not yet in a position to speak with authority about the internal workings and decision-making policies of the PAJ.
Secondly, why has Dr. Vas-ciannie chosen to take upon himself the issue of 'Mutty' being "ignored" by the PAJ? In order for 'Mutty' to have been "ignored" or better said "passed over" for a PAJ award, I would venture to say that his name must have come up for consideration several times.
'Mutty' Perkins is described as "immensely influential", "controversial" and as someone who challenges and annoys. I believe Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden and the D.C. Sniper Mohammad all fit this category. The main difference between Cliff Hughes and 'Mutty' Perkins lies in two words used by Dr. Vasciannie in his article 'positive development', the emphasis here, being on 'positive'.
In my opinion, Cliff offers an inquiring light which searches far, wide and deep into Jamaican life and politics, without unduly tearing down, desecrating or despising beyond reason, the social structures, systems and powers that be.
'Mutty' Perkins does not need a PR man any more than the PAJ needs Dr. Vasciannie's high-handed, opinionated and incorrect assumptions.
I am, etc.,
TOWANDA JOHNSON
shakingthing@hotmail.com
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Via Go-Jamaica
