Freedom of speech is a two-way street

His letter, however, contained several of the characteristic features of letters from habitual critics who get very upset when someone points out that they are prejudiced and intolerant; including the typical avoidance of reality that characterises many armchair critics. Specifically, Mr Kavanagh has now admitted that he is fully aware of the fact that varying ground conditions lead to wide variations in the cost of construction of highways, but he has not retracted his previous outrageous allegation to the effect that the range of estimated costs for roadwork in Trinidad and Tobago that I have quoted is evidence that someone intends to get rich at the expense of the public. Further, despite his protests of innocence, the letter he wrote just before this latest letter was an unwarranted attack on the Government and the Prime Minister; filled with the usual innuendo, misinformation, mauvais langue and lack of constructive commentary.

Mr Kavanagh apparently believes that freedom of speech is a one-way street, but contrary to his belief, he has no inalienable right to make unfounded or defamatory accusations in the newspapers. Accordingly, I wish to assure Mr Kavanagh that I will find the time to rebut, refute and counteract his unjustifiable criticism and groundless allegations, as and when the need arises.