– for reporting, coverage of upcoming elections
REPRESENTATIVES from almost all the media organizations in Guyana yesterday signed the “new and improved” Media Code of Conduct at the Hotel Tower in Georgetown, indicating their commitment to responsible coverage for local Government elections – expected later this year, and general elections due next year.
Over the last two days, Media owners, managers, editors and practitioners have been hard at work revising the 2006 Media Code of Conduct to come up with a “new and improved” Code that will guide the reporting and coverage of Guyana’s local government elections that is expected later this year, and the general elections in 2011.
This process, in the form of a two-day workshop at the Hotel Tower, was facilitated by Commonwealth Media Consultant Mr. Tim Neale, who was very pleased with the final document (Code) that media representatives signed on to yesterday – claiming it is arguably one of the best codes of its kind anywhere in the world.
Mr. Neale was chosen as the Facilitator  for this project, not only because of his vast experience in the media field but also because of his deep knowledge of the workings of Guyana’s media, and the many relationships he was able to develop as a result of a series of visits he undertook for the 2006 elections when he also facilitated the drafting and finalization of the Media Code for that election.
And even more importantly, he was chosen because of the high level of respect and credibility he has among the Guyanese media fraternity.
While the Code provides detailed guidelines with respect to coverage of elections, it contains universally acceptable journalistic  principles which could also be applied year round.
Chair of yesterday’s closing/signing ceremony, Mr. Jainarine  Deonauth – the Deputy Head of the Media Monitoring Unit – noted that the Code represents an excellent tool which could be used as a means of media self regulation.
“By participating in this process, you have demonstrated, once again in a tangible way, your commitment and desire to work towards improving the level of your performances; and we are optimistic that a genuine effort will be made to abide by the principles governing the Code, since this effort is in the nation’s interest,” Deonauth  told the sizeable gathering of media representatives at the signing ceremony.
Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr. Steve Surujbally, in his remarks at the ceremony, said he has been convinced, and he will argue, that the process which culminates in the national elections is “the single most important tile in the fundament on which Democracy is built”.
“If we believe this premise, then it follows that any element which might constrain or disrupt the smooth functioning and implementation of the electoral process must be addressed and removed,” the GECOM Chairman said.
“That is why we are gathered here today. You have made another step forward in attempting to “ensure” that that which you media practitioners and media managers have “together” painstakingly developed, compiled, reworked and finalized, no man, no media house owner, no politician, no demagogue, no rumor-monger should be allowed to break asunder,” Surujbally told media representatives.
Admitting that this is not as simple as it sounds, he said: “You and I know that the daily practice of your profession is fraught with multiple pressures, enticements, impediments and sundry stressors. But, ladies and gentlemen, your reputation should not and must not be purchasable. Your dignity may be assaulted, vandalized, cruelly mocked, but it cannot be taken away unless it is surrendered.
“And, in this pressurized environment in which you work, you must know that you have an ally in GECOM, not lastly because, as I have often guaranteed, the Commission harbours no conspiracy of secrecy and silence -we will share any relevant information you desire.”
Surujbally also assured the gathering that GECOM is willing to assist the media to better understand the complex and complicated process associated with Elections.
“Exploit this offer!” he charged.

MEDIA MUST BE RESPONSIBLE
Surujbally also underscored the importance of having the element of  responsibility factored into the equation. “This new and improved Media Code of Conduct which you have collectively and cooperatively produced serves to be your own self-regulatory guideline (and) I have no doubt – because, like you, I live and function in this environment and we have had previous experiences – that just as the journalistic word or pen can elevate the less and even well educated, so too can it poison their opinions.”
“It is expected that you reflect carefully before speaking or writing, that you check your facts, that you try at all times to avoid giving unnecessary offence,” the GECOM Chairman said.
He recalled an editorial he read some years ago, lamenting that this cherished free speech can, in Guyana, often resemble a Tower of Babel, where many voices and opinions on the same subject conflict with each other, are off key and are discordant.
Surujbally said what is especially frightening is the fact that in even the most lunatic of expressions, there is often some beguiling germ of apparent truth which in turn seems to address the fears and anxieties of specially receptive audiences.
“Do not misunderstand me. The thrust is that free speech is essential, but the price Society, as a whole, pays for it is considerable. Moreover, where the legal and other sanctions (that exist in civilized societies) collapse or are not enforced or are non existent, then free speech can become a vehicle for spreading hostility and for promoting disorder which, as we have seen globally, can lead to full fledged anarchy.”
Acknowledging that his sentiments might reflect some negativities associated with journalistic practice, the GECOM Chairman told media operatives “it is quite uplifting that you have signed this document when there is no specific legislation which can be used to give punitive teeth to your substantial code with its rules and mores and elevated ideals.”
In this regard, he noted that there are no existing penalties to enforce compliance. “The fact that you have endorsed this document, it tells me that you (are) men and women of goodwill, of vision, of professionalism, of patriotism.”
“To those of you who have worked hard in preparing thi
s improved Media Code of Conduct (but who might still harbour some reservations) let me say that history will remember that you possessed not only element of common decency and willingness to see another colleague’s opinion, but that you also possess a sense of fairness and morality and a love for your country,” he asserted.
Also making brief remarks at the signing ceremony was UNDP’s Resident Representative Dr. Liman-Tinguiri.