Dear Editor,

OVER the past months, there has been a clear trend of the Stabroek News adopting what can be termed a hostile position against the Attorney General, and by extension the APNU+AFC Administration.

From its refusal to carry my response to Zana Frank’s allegations in her court challenge case, on which it had reported extensively, to the watering-down of my statement on the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, a clear trend can be discerned.

I am not one who criticizes the work of the media, as I recognise the important role the media play as the Fourth Estate in our democracy. I also know that our Government has stood side by side with the media over the years, and will continue to do so.

In fact, President David Granger, at a media workshop earlier this year, declared: “The Government of Guyana is committed to the promotion of a high degree of media professionalism. The administration will not undermine the professionalism of state media workers by subjecting them to political direction or interference in their work.” He added: “Independent media act as watchdogs of Government. They promote transparency by ensuring that information is provided to the public on the work of Government. They are a source of valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the efforts of the Government. There is no good reason for the state to interfere in the work of the private media.”

However, when a newspaper of the ‘stature’ of Stabroek News could allow itself to be duped and clearly used by persons who have ulterior motives, it is a case for much concern. The extant matter before us — the Carmichael Street lands and the misinformation being reported to this nation by the Stabroek News — cannot go unnoticed. How can a reputable newspaper (Stabroek News), as it claims it is, publish the kinds of articles it did over the course of this week, relying solely on “sources”, as it claims, and not even doing what should be routine in standard journalism — verifying the information it has received?

What further exposes this narrow and weak type of journalism being practised by this newspaper is when, instead of checking the Laws of Guyana on the issue of compulsory acquisition — what it sets out and the procedures that ought to be followed — it ran along with the line of Anil Nandlall.

A newspaper that was founded by a lawyer, David DeCaires, and enjoys the company of several other members of the bar, some at the level of senior counsel, ought to have known and done better. As I said in my statement on Thursday “…any lawyer worth his salt would first seek to read the relevant law on the subject, and not be hysterical after leaping into darkness.” I now add: “Any newspaper worth its salt would first seek to read the relevant law on the subject, and not be hysterical after leaping into darkness.”

There were three separate articles in the Stabroek News this week on the issue of the lands. The first one, on Monday, was headlined “Ramotar flays move on Riehl’s land; slams AG over claims PPP/C started process.” On Wednesday, the newspaper reported: “Cabinet asks AG to explain move to takeover private lands”; and then on Thursday, “Cabinet axes land takeover.”

The first story, with former President Donald Ramotar’s reaction, I believe I have dealt with in my statement on Thursday. However, the last two, on Wednesday and Thursday, expose the blatant fabrication of a national newspaper.

On Wednesday, Stabroek News reported: “Cabinet asks AG to explain the move to take private lands”, quoting a dubious source close to Cabinet. First of all, the AG did not attend Cabinet, and his colleagues informed him that there was no discussion or decision on this matter. The state-owned Guyana Chronicle has also reported on this issue, adding that it had verified this with three other Cabinet members.

Less than 24 hours later, Stabroek New reported again on the same Cabinet meeting, this time going even further to say that “Cabinet axes land takeover”. Now, isn’t this kind of reporting suspicious, confusing, and fabricated? Why would the source not tell Stabroek News on Tuesday after Cabinet meeting that Cabinet axed the “land takeover”, when that would have been the biggest story coming out of the meeting? But, rather, the newspaper was told the AG was asked to prepare a report; and then the next day, almost as if it were an afterthought, “Cabinet axes land takeover”

I believe it is clear for all to see the level to which some media houses are willing to stoop in their attempt to embarrass this Administration.

The Attorney General has since contacted his lawyers, and will take the appropriate legal actions to safeguard the integrity of himself, party and government.

BASIL WILLIAMS
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs