I have observed with growing interest the comments and reactions surrounding the pre-action protocol letter sent by the attorneys representing the President of the Republic of T&T to Ms Rachel Price in respect of derogatory and defamatory comments allegedly made regarding the President's wife's mode and choice of dress.Many have condemned the President for attempting to abuse the office he holds and reign in on one of the powers that "he thinks he has" as intruding on Ms Price's constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of expression. The comments in social media are generally uneducated, ill-informed and unfortunate. It is disconcerting that so many people are so myopic and disastrously illiterate and have refused to see the larger picture. One would think that in a country where education can be easily and almost freely accessed, our citizens would portray a more becoming attitude.
In my estimation, it is not that His Excellency wishes to abuse any power or limit anyone's constitutional right. It is that we as citizens both in our private and public capacities, must know our limits and understand that we cannot always say as we want and do as we wish, even if we are free to think as we want.I am not for one moment saying that we are to be muzzled and stifled, but we are to be circumspect and have respect for everyone–especially those in authority. We need not like the office holder, but we must respect their office–therein lies the problem. This has long been an issue with us in T&T. We can ill-afford to carry on like this for much longer.
The contents of the letter were profound. It said "...freedom of expression is 'not a licence to defame...'" When such a freedom is seen to be abused the abuser can be made liable under the tort of defamation.It is here where the lines are to be clearly drawn, especially for individuals such as media personalities who sometimes confuse their roles with their feelings in a troublesome formula of disrespect and classlessness. For far too long everyone does and says as he wishes. This simply isn't correct, never mind that it is commonplace.It is a most horrid habit that we have developed and only perpetuates our self-stagnated mental and intellectual deficiencies. We must not allow ourselves to languish in such superficiality. There are far better things on which we can spend our time, which seems to be an eternally renewable resource for many.
It is surprising that given the President's wife's mode of dress, which has won the interest of the individual in question, in addition to all and sundry, I am saddened that no well-meaning and civil-minded person found it necessary to make some opportune advancement to address the issue in a rational, private and proper manner to the good lady, perhaps by officially writing to her, offering fashion advice, and such prescription. I note that many a fashion entrepreneur may have missed such a rare opportunity to outfit her. Possibly, they could have submitted some proposal and a fashion portfolio of their work for her attention and offered some ideas in this regard. But alas, this is far too civil for us!
It is no surprise then, that the President has taken such a serious action. He is cognisant of the fact that, apart from his official role as a President, the Head of State is also a husband, who I am sure, like all husbands have taken a vow, upon marriage, to protect the integrity of his wife. Through the actions of his attorney he has made it clear, that neither in his public nor private capacity will he allow reputational harm to his family, from anywhere or anyone.His Excellency is correct! Coming from a judicial background he knows all too well the meaning of setting precedent. Recognising defamation and addressing it is a good precedent to have set, given the "say what I feel when I want because is my mouth" attitude we have in this county.
It will tell the media and the wider population that while everyone is welcomed to their own opinion and the array of freedoms available in which to express such opinion, there is a time and place for everything. While public officials are not immune from being the subject of social commentary, limericks and jokes, they are most certainly entitled to take the necessary actions, legal and otherwise, when they feel personally intruded upon.Let us strive always to be and speak our best, and not mirror the impassionate illiteracy so emblazoned in our quotidian affairs! Kudos to His Excellency! He has set the right precedent.
Ronald Chuckaree
via e-mail