APPROXIMATELY 20 media operatives stormed out of Base Camp Ayanganna owing to poor seating arrangements for coverage of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Annual Officers Conference on Thursday.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA), in a statement said that the GDF was disrespectful in its actions. “The Guyana Press Association stands firmly with media workers who walked out of the Guyana Defence Force Headquarters this morning (Thursday) following what can be described as gross disrespect for those in the profession,” the press association said in a statement.

It noted that the media were initially invited to cover the opening ceremony of the GDF Annual Officers Conference on January 23, 2018 with no start time given. In a subsequent email, the media were informed that they should be at Camp Ayanganna at 9:30hrs on Thursday morning.

“Upon arrival, the members of the media were told to wait under a benab just outside the compound of the GDF, after which they were corralled into a room, where they were told to await further instructions. This went well beyond the time the media was invited to cover the opening of the conference,” GPA detailed.

It added that after a few minutes, the media workers were led to the Officers’ Mess Hall where the opening ceremony was being held. On arrival, they were told to wait in the lounge area. At that point, it was clear that the event had already started as Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West could be heard giving his address.

“A senior army officer subsequently led the media to the area where the event was being held and the media were told to stand beside dozens of officers who were all comfortably seated. It was at that point that a decision was taken to walk out.

“The Guyana Press Association would like to use this opportunity to remind the Guyana Defence Force of the importance of the media, not only as a group but as a major partner that also works to ensure the integrity and sovereignty of this country. The media does not work in a vacuum and its members should be treated with the respect it deserves,” GPA said.

The press association said it is unfortunate that the GDF continues to engage the media in this manner even after repeated attempts to engage and work towards a better relationship. It also used the opportunity to place on record its letter of January 15, 2018 which extended an opportunity to the GDF for more frequent engagements. To date, the GDF has not acknowledged receipt of this correspondence.

GPA Vice President Zoisa Fraser, who was present at the time of the walk out, was told by Colonel Michael Shahoud that highly sensitive information was being detailed during the conference and it was for that reason a decision was taken to have the media present only for President David Granger’s address