PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in his capacity as Minister of Information, has assured staffers of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) that he will be playing a ‘big brother’ role in leading the resuscitation of the Chronicle newspapers to its rightful place as the leading newspaper in Guyana.During a meeting with GNNL staffers on Monday, the Prime Minister requested, in exchange, professionalism, objectivity, fairness and balance, as well as loyalty to the State and the moves to advance national unity, as opposed to partisan politics.

PM Nagamootoo stressed that collective efforts to restore the ideals of balance, fairness and truth to the company will translate to better sales of the company’s product – the daily and Sunday Chronicle – which will in turn create greater revenues that can advance the welfare of staffers of the company.

In outlining his vision for the functioning of GNNL, he also made clear that there will be no ‘witch hunt’ against any staff member, adding that the aim is for a “new beginning” to be created in the interest of positive change.

He also used the opportunity to reiterate his call for professionalism, not any move that will see the company’s product descend to a “party rag” or “propaganda rag” – rather a medium that is used to hold all leaders accountable, and humble, and to present the Guyanese people with the “fact” of the truth, not the “size” of the truth.

“There is no place for people who want to use this paper as a political rag…those who can commit to the objectives of the GNNL have a place here…we must make GNNL the best press, the fastest and widest circulating paper…everyone has an interest in this objective…the company must be financially viable,” Nagamootoo stressed.

On that note, he called for staffers to be service-oriented to the citizens of Guyana, adding that they are first citizens of Guyana, then supporters of one cause or another.
The Prime Minister assured of support for all staffers who seek to defend their professionalism, calling on staffers to ensure that they are represented by their unions and professional associations – as is their right.
According to him, training is another area that will be a focus moving forward, and he hinted at the possibility of scholarships being made available to employees.
“All employees have a responsibility,” he appealed, underscoring his commitment to positive changes.
GNNL is a majority state owned company.

Nagamootoo, last week, was sworn in as Prime Minister of the APNU+AFC coalition Government with responsibilities for Information and Chairman of the Cabinet. He was also sworn in as a First Vice President and is also responsible for Constitutional reform.

By Vanessa Narine