The Government Information Agency (GINA) is often been bemused by the antics of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), but its latest outburst is beyond belief, according to a press release from GINA last evening.

Robust criticism is the term used to characterise the journalism it practises and condones. It does not matter that suits for libel and slander follow its excesses, misrepresentations and downright lies, the release said.

“A press statement issued by GINA on July 31 identified Mr. Enrico Woolford, a consistent anti-Government journalist, as the main source of the reports in the media of the trial in the USA.

“The GPA, as the media umbrella organisation in Guyana, failed the test of truth which is one of the basic ethics of journalism, by saying it was President Bharrat Jagdeo who made the remarks about Mr. Woolford.

“This attempt is wickedly and deceitfully designed to attract media attention by using the name of the President.    

“In the July 31 release, the GPA ignores the points made in the seven previous paragraphs that reflect facts and Government positions, and instead attributed something so sinister in the remarks about Mr. Woolford, that they endanger his life, his family, his property.

“It was the same GPA that robustly supported the media house that repeatedly broadcast threats on the life of the serving President and condemned the action taken by the Government.

“It must be noted that the President of the GPA, Mr. Gordon Moseley, is working for Mr. Woolford and enjoys a close relationship with Mr. Woolford.

“The GPA’s press release should be rejected as unworthy,” the release concluded.