THE government yesterday deplored the continuing unethical and unprofessional journalism by the Kaieteur News newspaper. In a statement, the Government Information Agency (GINA) noted the “unethical and unprofessional journalism that continues unabated in the pages of the Kaieteur News.”
The agency said that while it does not usually engage in such exchanges, “it feels compelled to denounce these continuing efforts by the local tabloid in question to mislead the public.”
It added:
“The latest attempt in this regard pertains to the government’s One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project. Issues raised by the Kaieteur News have been addressed by Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Jennifer Webster, and her colleagues in Parliament. Despite the provision of relevant information regarding the OLPF project, the Kaieteur News continues with its claims and misinformation.
“This time it is an allegation about secrecy by the government with regards to information related to procurement.
“GINA wishes to remind the Kaieteur News that the PPP/C Government has upheld the democratic and constitutional rights of all Guyanese with regards to freedom of expression and rights which the Kaieteur News fully enjoys.
“GINA also wishes to remind the Kaieteur News of the transparent manner in which the government conducts its business. The government has empowered the Office of the Auditor General to publish uninhibited, annualised audited reports of ministries and agencies. These reports are submitted to Parliament for scrutiny.
“Government officials are accessible to the media as obtains in the frequent press conferences hosted by President Bharrat Jagdeo, and ministers and the weekly Cabinet updates hosted by the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon.
“The Kaieteur News must also be reminded of the Procurement Act and the government’s tender procedures, information for which is available on the several government websites for public perusal and the amendments made to include the media when tender documents are being examined. Additionally, the Kaieteur News must be reminded that government ministries have updated websites which provide information to all.
“These are a few reminders of the high level of transparency with which the government manages the affairs of the State.
“As such, there is no commitment to secrecy as insinuated in the Monday, February 07, 2011 edition of the newspaper.”