THE following is press statement issued Saturday by State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) Incorporated regarding the harassment, at almost every turn, of its newsroom staff by affiliates of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), while covering that Party’s public meetings.

“The National Communications Network (NCN) Incorporated condemns in the strongest possible terms, the constant harassment of its operatives by known activists and senior members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), during its ongoing Public Meetings, particularly in Region Four.

“The NCN wishes to bring to the attention of the public, the clear agenda of the APNU to intimidate our journalists and other operatives.

“Below are a few recent cases of intimidation of our employees by APNU

> On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, during an APNU Public Meeting at Kool Circle, Laing Avenue, Georgetown, executive member of the Party, Ms. Volda Lawrence, while addressing a public meeting, claimed that an NCN reporter and cameraman were following her and Mr. Winston Felix “all night” so that they can record them and “take it to Rohee so he can talk about it on TV.”

> Also on the same day at La Retraite Primary School, West Bank Demerara, where Opposition Leader David Granger was the main speaker, another NCN team arrived to provide coverage for the said meeting but was accosted by three women who enquired which media house they represented. Upon learning the team was from NCN, they were rudely told that they could not enter, because they were representing NCN.

> On Thursday, October 02, 2014 at the Bagotville Community Centre, the NCN team was identified and called out by APNU supporters. Subsequently,Chief Whip of the Opposition and APNU executive member, Amna Ally prevented the team from entering the venue, and threatened that if they do, she will embarrass and expose them. Additionally, an NCN cameraman was identified by supporters of APNU who hailed out at Felix, informing him he was being filmed. The NCN reporter was forced to beg that APNU officials not to harm her colleague.

> On Friday, October 3, 2014, at Middle Dam, Pouderoyen, as the NCN team arrived to cover another APNU Public Meeting, its supporters yelled, “Watch them coming! NCN!”. The team was subsequently told it couldn’t cover the meeting.
“The NCN condemns this kind of harassment and threat from members of the APNU, including its executives, which will only put at risk the lives of honest and hardworking employees of NCN.

“Further, we wish to advise Ms. Volda Lawrence that NCN is not aligned to, nor is it an organ of, any political Party.

“It is important to note that, on the one hand, this Political Party continues to accuse NCN of not providing them with coverage, and on the other hand seeks to evict the network’s news team from its public events.

“NCN believes that these recent acts of intimidation and attacks on our journalists are a direct threat to press freedom in Guyana and a violation of Article 23(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment…”

“Additionally, NCN wishes to call on the Minister of Information, His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar; the National Assembly of Guyana; the Guyana Press Association; the Independent Media Workers Association of Guyana; the Diplomatic Community; political parties; the Guyana Human Rights Association; and all other stakeholders to condemn this dastardly act by the APNU, which seems to be on a campaign to drive fear in our staff.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Press Association, in a statement of its own, has roundly condemned the act as well. Following is the full text of their satement:
“The Guyana Press Association has taken note of complaints of harassment of reporters of the State-owned National Communications Network during their coverage of political meetings being hosted by the APNU.
“The GPA wishes to once again call on all political parties, the governing and opposition parties,  to be reminded that journalists, regardless of whether they are in the employ of the State media or the independent media, ought to be allowed to carry out their jobs in an environment that is free from fear and intimidation.
“The GPA would also like to remind media houses of the responsibilities that rest on the shoulders of their workers in the execution of their duties, and would like to encourage our journalists to continue to be fearless in their reporting on the issues of the day. Journalists also need to act professionally as they conduct their duties, and should not allow themselves to be used for political purposes.
“The GPA will be seeking to engage the Minister of Information, Media Owners and Editors and the Leaders of the Political Parties on issues of concern regarding the local media from all sides.
“The Press Association is also very worried about recent revelations that attempts may be afoot to use resources of the State to suppress and intimidate members of the private media, and private media houses, in the execution of their duties.
“The GPA is alarmed that, as the “silly season” in politics may once again be upon us, we are already seeing attempts to intimidate journalists and media houses from carrying out their duties in a fair and transparent manner.
“Further, the Press Association would like to place on record its unwavering support for all journalists in the execution of their job.
“The recent abuse of a Capitol News reporter by the acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba is condemned, and Ms. Sooba ought to do the proper thing and offer a full apology to the reporter.
“The Guyana Press Association also takes this time to remind Editors and Media owners of the important role they need to play in the on the job training and education of their employees, especially the younger reporters who are now soaking their feet in the profession.
“The Guyana Press Association also looks forward to the full participation of the State and independent media in the upcoming training programmes for journalists, which will be focusing on elections coverage.”