EXECUTIVES of ‘A Partnership for National Unity’ (APNU) yesterday lambasted the State media, calling for a boycott of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (Guyana Chronicle) and the National Communications Network (NCN). “People should not buy the Chronicle and listen to NCN,” urged Executive Member Deborah Backer at a press conference at APNU’s Secretariat on Regent Road, Bourda, in the presence of representatives of the respective state media entities.
Noteworthy is the fact that the Guyana Press Association (GPA) yesterday issued a statement in which it said, in part: “The Guyana Press Association wishes to remind all political leaders in this campaign season that the rights of journalists whether they work in the state or private media ought to be respected.
“Therefore, the GPA and the wider media fraternity shall hold all of these politicians on all sides of the political aisle responsible for the safety of media workers since it is obvious that media workers are now being targeted in this politically charged environment.”
Backer’s sentiments were backed up by other Executive Member Lance Carberry who stated: “NCN and Chronicle are operating as propaganda arms of the government. That’s what they are.”
“They (NCN) have created a monstrous propaganda machine for themselves,” charged Anthony Vieira, another APNU Executive.
In the above-mentioned statement, GPA sought to make known its displeasure with President Bharrat Jagdeo’s remarks against the media. The president was speaking at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally at Kitty last Sunday.
The President had described some media operatives as “vultures and carrion crows” who should all be “thrown into jail” for going after him and his government.
The statement said President Jagdeo’s assertion that local media should be placed before an international court and jailed was wholly uncalled for, damaging and repugnant.
“The Guyana Press Association rejects out of hand any labels that anyone either in high or other office seeks to foist upon the local press. We will continue to be vigilant and focused in this particular period where a higher standard is required. Therefore, we wish that a higher standard also be held by the politicians.”
Meanwhile, questioned about the party’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Carberry said that will be announced “as soon as we are ready.”
“We are also waiting for the PPP to say who is their prime ministerial candidate.” Asked by the Chronicle whether this meant that their announcement was dependent on that of the PPP/C, Carberry said this is not what he meant.
APNU could not say when their manifesto would be out but noted that relevant policy issues have already been out in press statements and public releases.
Asked whether or not the party was satisfied with the performance by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) so far, Vieira told the Chronicle: “No. They haven’t responded to several complaints … and therefore we are not satisfied.”