.jpg)
In addition, the actions must be seen as a blatant attempt to deny the populace, and those overseas who access the services of GINA, of their right to be informed as it relates to government programmes and policies.
GINA said it believes that if this attempt to suppress its operations is successful, then the nation will be only subjected to information that is biased towards APNU/AFC through the media entities they influence. GINA believes, too, that this is an orchestrated effort to collapse it since it is part of the State media apparatus. GINA reiterates that this is counter to the tenets of freedom of expression and to all democratic principles
In GINA’s view, this blatant misuse of a slim combined Parliamentary majority can only be interpreted as another attempt, following 2012, to silence it. It is in this context that GINA wishes to remind the APNU/AFC alliance that all governments have a unit that functions as their ‘information arm’.
“The operational mandate of GINA is therefore not unique to Guyana and the present Administration. Further, GINA cannot help in concluding that, in addition to other factors, the actions of APNU/AFC have demonstrated their deficiency in understanding the Agency’s role,” the agency stated.
GINA said it is not oblivious of the recent position articulated by the Opposition after they would have indicated their intention to strip the Agency of its finances. The general position was that if acceptable answers to questions asked are provided, then the intention to cut could have been reconsidered.
GINA said what it finds mind-boggling is the fact that its budget was cut without any question being asked, thereby depriving the Agency of the opportunity to defend its mandate and to provide answers or clarifications if sought.
Further, the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly had noted in his ruling on Monday, April 15, 2013, that the right to amend budgetary allocations is a sacred one and must be used judiciously and not for vengeful purposes. GINA said it can only interpret the deprivation of its budgetary allocation by the Opposition as an action that cannot be considered as being judicious.
“It is therefore clear that the action of the Opposition is a complete departure from their stated position which can only foster an erosion of confidence and serves to render the pronouncements of the Opposition, especially those made in the National Assembly, as unbelievable.
GINA also views the revocation of its budget as an attack on the rights of Guyanese to work in an entity of their choice and as a blatant disrespect for the Agency’s dedicated and hard-working staff and their families.
It is GINA’s belief that all must be concerned about the assaults perpetrated on it through a one-seat majority in the National Assembly and hopes that the perpetrators will swiftly realise the negative impact their actions will have on the staff and the right of Guyanese to be informed.
GINA therefore calls on the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to condemn this vicious attack, given its proclivity to never hesitate to denounce attacks on the private media and its operatives.
GINA also calls on the Ministry of Labour, The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Civil society and other relevant local and international organisations to denounce this vengeful act by the APNU/AFC alliance.
The Agency said its management and staff remain steadfast and united in its actions to condemn and bring awareness to the current situation.
