#BTColumn – Who Wickham thinks he is?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by Hyacinth K. Greenidge

I read your edition of October 8th in which political scientist Peter Wickham sought to clarify and justify the unfortunate statement he made concerning the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for St George North Floyd Reifer.

I hung my head in shame since Wickham was a man I once had great respect and admiration for. But of late, along with lacking serious objectivity and credibility
he seems to also have grown a swollen head.

I could not believe the tripe he wrote in defence of himself.

Wickham has made his living from talking about, critiquing, analysing and dissecting other people and issues. He has spewed his opinions and beliefs whether right or wrong, the length and breadth of Barbados and the Caribbean.

He has called some politicians weak and poor while praising others. He has, in recent times, been very supportive of the current Government’s policies and mandate. He has constantly and consistently pushed his gay rights agenda. He has criticised the Christian society going and coming. He has shouted for all to hear that he does not believe in the one and true living God.

Who does Peter Wickham think he is? How can he have free reign to parade on all things but then get offended when he is challenged or attacked? Does he believe he is more equal than others? Does he have a sense of misplaced and misguided self-importance?

What compounds this is that the pollster has ready access to VOB  92.9 FM’s Brasstacks, the pages of the Nation Newspapers and People’s Business
on CBC TV8 to advance his way of thinking.

We have endured much noise from Wickham on our ears. Yet he sought to berate two letter writers who interpreted his comments the same way and decided to speak out about it. From his response I get the impression that Wickham believes that no one should challenge him.

Wickham’s comment about Reifer was solidified by the tone in his rebuttal letter. He acted as though the two letter writers were not worthy enough to criticise him. And when he was done with them he turned on your paper.

His threat not speak to or be interviewed by any of your journalists going forward is immature and juvenile. It reminds me of a baby throwing a tantrum because he or she cannot have their way. Where is Wickham’s rattle and bib? Please pass them to him.

In closing, I find it refreshing all of these guest columns being published by your paper. I welcome a different and varying point of view to what is being sold as the truth. It is amazing that he would accuse your establishment of pushing a DLP agenda when he has done likewise as it relates to the ruling party.

And why must it be that you are pushing anything? Has this accusation been made because Barbados Today has not allowed itself to be a conduit for
the Government?

Even before the 2018 elections, most columns Wickham wrote and speeches he gave as moderator were all geared at undermining the then DLP Government.

As it stands now Starcom and the Nation never seem to oppose or have issues with the current administration and we all know how CBC works being servant to the Government of the day.

Barbados Today I beg you not to be derailed by Wickham’s juvenile tantrum. Continue to publish the views of others who also have a voice and stake in this country. It is their democratic right to speak and your democratic right to publish it.

Wickham can put up or simply shut up.