I write to you with strong concerns regarding part of a sentence in paragraph five of this editorial.

The sentence reads "nonetheless, we believe the up-coming elections, whenever it is called, will be the most consequential in our post-independence history, the most violent, the most divisive and the most expensive ever".

The part of the sentence that I strongly object to is the statement that the upĀ­ coming elections WILL be the most violent ever. You also linked this statement to the looting and the mayhem that took place after Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

As evidence, you drew reference from the report presented by the group of businessmen and civil society who was concerned that the unfinished business of necessary electoral reform might result in unrest if elections were called before reforms were put in place.

Can I draw attention to a paragraph in your own newspaper back page in the April 16 2019 edition when you quoted from the above mentioned report It states.

Earlier in the report the group said it was formed because "there is chance that civil unrest and disturbances may ensue in the country" if there is the impression that whoever wins the next general election has done so unfairly.

If your quotation is correct, clearly they were raising responsible concerns in a responsible way but using appropriate words such as there is a chance that disturbances may ensue and not stating that these things will happen for certain.

I am really concerned that your prophecy of violence might find succor in those who are prone to use violence to get their way.

I respectfully request a face to face meeting with you in order to discuss how you propose to correct what I consider to be miss-leading reporting, that at its extreme might be considered by some to be fermenting violence.

Max Matthias