Dear Editor

EACH day that public officials, elected and appointed, continue their rambling whenever they are brought to account confirms public opinion that within this group are the ill-informed, arrogant, and those lacking understanding of their roles, functions and responsibilities.Leonard Craig, Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), in his response to my statement that it was not within his remit to advise the Linden Television Trust how it should be composed, confirms my conviction.

This is his admission: “…it is true that the GNBA cannot dictate the size and the structure of the directorate of the Linden TV outfit…” Yet, the composition of the Trust is being used as the reason to delay the issuance of the licence, which would enable the station to be up and running.

In Craig’s letter (13th April, 2016), what has been outlined is his interest in using political manoeuvres to determine whether or not to issue the licence. While he correctly acknowledges that the GNBA can mediate conflicts among licencees, the Trust does not have a licence. Thus, as Chairman, he cannot get involved in any conflict, perceived or real, regarding who sits on the Trust. His is the responsibility, at this stage, to ensure the Trust confirms to the law in its establishment, in order to be granted the licence.

The Trust, in its present composition, is considered a legally constituted body, and has therefore met that requirement aspect for a licence.

Given Craig’s utterance in the media — wherein he has ascribed to himself the authority to withhold a licence from the Trust unless it goes by his advice in its composition of the board — his conduct is misplaced and misguided.

The other elements of his letter have no bearing on the extant issue, and shall not be addressed. What they reinforce, however, is that several members of state boards lack the knowledge of their respective roles and responsibilities. Many are labouring under the misguided belief that they have the authority to flex muscles and subject persons to conditions that are in conflict with the law.

The time has come for the Prime Minister, who has responsibility for broadcasting, to ensure the law is followed to the letter, and the Linden Television Trust receives its licence, consistent with the 21st August 2012 Agreement between Central Government and Region 10 Regional Democratic Council.

Persons have to stop playing games with a matter that resulted in the loss of lives, injuries suffered, and dislocation.
Regards,
LINCOLN LEWIS