THE GOVERNMENT on Monday repudiated “in the strongest terms” what it said were irresponsible allegations repeated in the media, alleging censorship in state media.In a statement, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said such claims “are wholly false and baseless and (are) attempt to damage the image of the Coalition Government, which is trying to repair democratic institutions, including state media, that had been left in a shambolic state under the previous administration.”

According to DPI, the Government has established independent and professional boards for the major state media entities, and has noticed that persons with strong political and social views outside of the state media staff have been enlisted as paid contributors.

“The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana reiterates its commitment to the free media, which provides for national coverage that is not driven by partisan politics. For the first time in many years, state media have been carrying articles and reports critical of the government, while providing extensive positive coverage to the opposition. Allegations of censorship in state media have no basis in reality or fact”, the statement said.