PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday dismissed criticisms that his Government does not sit well with unfavourable criticism.

“I do not share that view. I believe criticism is good [and] I’ve privately and publicly maintained the importance of the free press,” the President posited.

Alluding to the state media, the President emphasised that all three branches of the Government must be fairly reported upon.

“The Government is made of up three branches, the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch and the Judiciary, and I have made it clear that the state media must report fairly on government matters,” he said.

Earlier this year, President Granger pledged monetary support from the government to the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to aid training programmes and workshops, which will build capacity in the press corps.

He had made the announcement during a Media Brunch hosted on the lawns of State House, as he committed to building a stronger relationship between the State and the media.

President Granger also indicated that there were no strings attached to the financial support, and said that a free and unfettered press was critical to the development of Guyana. He called on the media to truthfully and critically examine the work of his administration, so that they can help the government to improve its performance.

“I am committed to the media because I believe that, as a government, we couldn’t afford to be without the media; truthful media, even aggressive media. The State is not going to become involved in journalism. It will provide the platform on which young journalists can learn their profession. I would like to pledge hard money in support of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) in 2016. Once the GPA is prepared to mount these seminars at least once per quarter, the State will help without any intervening in the actual programme or doctrine,” President Granger told the media operatives present.

He added that he did not intend to head an administration that was not open to criticism.

“You write the truth and help the government to improve its performance. I won’t like to be the head of a government which is not subject to criticism. We want to know the truth and we will correct our performance,” the President said.

Reminiscing on his years as a journalist, President Granger said it was important that persons in any field be trained, and that they abide by certain ethical standards. He noted that journalists were no exception, since journalism was a profession like any other.