The Alliance For Change salutes journalists, reporters, cameramen and other media workers in print, radio, television and internet/electronic media who fearlessly go after and present the truth, and courageously defend principles of fairness and objectivity.
In Guyana there remains but a pocket of brave media proprietors and journalists who refuse to be bullied or intimidated, and AFC says our nation owes you gratitude.
As we observe World Freedom of the Press Day, we note with sadness the growing numbers of those who have been killed during deadly conflicts or kidnapped by terrorists in the line of duty, in some cases in reporting about the criminal enterprise and corruption in high places.
This day in Guyana is marked with some degree of shame as the PPP minority government not only stifles open criticisms but exercises paramountcy over the state media.
Opposition and dissenting voices are silenced by exclusion, not even when the situation would require a right of reply to unfounded, malicious and distorted statements from officials. Non-government press is routinely sanctioned and punished financially with state advertisements being withheld. Many journalists are forced to practice self-censorship rather than incurring the wrath of the ruling elite.
The shame is compounded by betrayal of the national interest when the PPP regime unlawfully gave away radio frequencies to friends, relatives and cronies of the regime.
When criticised, the President intemperately would tell the United States that it is a worse example of violation of human rights, rather than taking timely steps to democratise and re-open the media landscape in Guyana.
The AFC calls on government to rescind the give-away licenses immediately, open the state media to plural views and stop its assault on the free press and the autonomy of the National Assembly.
AFC demands access to the state media which should be rescued from the iron grip of the ruling party.
AFC extends sincerest good wishes to all Guyanese media editors and workers and asks that they take heart for defending freedom of expression and for working to achieve a truly free press in a free Guyana.
May 2, 2013
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