THERE were many positive stories in recent times that have been buried beneath banner headlines in sections of the Guyana media. Those headlines in media that would describe themselves as “free” or “independent”, have been invariably reserved for and stamped on reports of gruesome crimes, assorted scandals and titbits that were deemed “sexy” and “sensational.”

This caricature may aptly describe the nature of the media in the democratic world and, in spite of how disappointed ruling politicians may feel it is always, in my opinion, better to have a probing or even negative media, than a sterile, uncritical or sycophantic “fourth estate.” But I have always hoped that they could be fair and objective.

GUYANA’S PRIDE
In this regard, Guyana can pride itself with having open and plural media houses and sites that are free from state censorship, political interference or economic restraints. Guyana may even be unique in the Commonwealth for having a media landscape that not only includes official propaganda publications by political parties, but thinly disguised “opposition” newspapers, television and radio stations that hide behind the dubious corporate veil.

Whatever their political, vested or editorial agendas, it would be difficult for some of these entities to justifiably or righteously claim that they are not committed to the truth, or to objective reporting of the facts in every situation. What they seem to do, however, is to allow facts to slip through the cracks in preference for negatives stories, or those that are given certain twists and slants that would obfuscate the truth.

SUCCESSFUL SECURITY OPERATIONS
Last year, the biggest news reports that have been buried under the headlines were the successful rate of security operations with interception of major criminal activities and initiation therefor of prosecution.

Notwithstanding redeployment of key personnel at the leadership or, perhaps because of such proper and better placement, the combined security forces did a commendable job in their valiant battle against illicit drugs, piracy, high-profile violent crimes and trafficking in persons. They did those, and much more, in a year that saw the destruction of the central prison, the displacement and relocation of over 1,200 prisoners and the biggest ever manhunt for escaped criminals.

Since the APNU+AFC coalition government took office just over 30 months ago, it must be evident that a halt has been put to execution-style or extra-judicial killings, the wanton operations of the dreaded death or phantom squads and torture of suspects in police custody. Last year, piracy was reduced to an occasional occurrence and overall, serious crimes have been reduced by over 10%. Yet, selective headlines screamed “Crimes spiral out of control.”

LOWER INCIDENCE OF CRIME
It must be evident that Guyana has a lower incidence of crime than several Caribbean states, yet the mainstream media have chosen to bury this achievement beneath their headlines, even in the face of uninformed advisories to international travellers to stay away from our country. As for social media, sites that are politically infected with the opposition hate-speech virus found it sickeningly “sexy” to manufacture and regurgitate fake stories.
On the anti-narcotics front, figures show that enforcement agencies seized some 65,000 kilos of cannabis worth over $11 billion and some 383 kilos of cocaine, worth over $285 million. Charges were made out against 390 persons.

In spite of several isolated episodes of misconduct, overall, the security forces have conducted improved intelligence-driven operations that resulted in detection of illegal airstrips and interception of unauthorised, narco-related flights and shipments. Though mocked by an unimaginative opposition as a “dogs and ponies” show, the use of police equestrian and canine resources, though limited, could not be ignored.

What is evident is the determined effort, of our government to retrieve Guyana from the shadows of a criminalised state and to restore legitimacy to commercial and civil life. A huge chunk of business remains underground, and for dirty money would indulge in contraband trade, smuggling, trafficking, money laundering, etc.

The state’s effort has been supplemented by strengthening of the institutional framework to allow greater safeguards and stronger enforcement of our laws and to protect the integrity of our financial system, such as :-

* Establishment of Public Procurement Commission, Local Government Commission, and a Family Court;

* Granting of full financial autonomy to the Judiciary, the Legislature, Office of the Auditor General, Elections Commission and other constitutional agencies;

* Reconstitution of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and the Judicial Service Commission.

* Appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission and the Ombudsman;

* Appointment of Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, along with a new complement of Justices of Appeal, puisne judges and magistrates;

SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
In addition, there have been consistent and determined efforts to strengthen the security architecture of our society. It could not go unnoticed that closed-circuit cameras have been installed in what was the first phase of a Smart City Solution to detect traffic violations and intercept criminal activities. Towards this end, the 911 Emergency system has been introduced, at long last; and a new fleet of vehicles has been deployed on the coast and in the interior to help make Guyana safer.

As part of the on-going effort to beef up security of the identity of our citizens, a process of digitising all records of birth and death has commenced. Since last year, Birth/Marriage/Death certificates with new security features have been issued.
It is a relief to no longer see the routine headlines of long and snaking lines outside the Central Passport Office as the processing time has been reduced. Soon, the service will be decentralised with offices located in Linden, New Amsterdam and other capital towns.

Guyana has emerged from the pale of black listing for non-compliance with anti-money laundering requirements. Since last year, Guyana was given leadership of the CFATF for the next term. And, as a show of commitment to open governance with respect for accountability, Guyana became a candidate member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and hopes for full membership.

POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS
These are positive developments for Guyana, which our media could showcase, but it seems that a strong, subterranean media culture is drifting in an opposite direction. Just yesterday (Saturday, January 6), in the face of statistical evidence, a Peeping Tom wrote in Kaieteur News that “Guyana is not safe”. The Peeper buried the truth under the headline, “Crime is out of control”, the only plausible reason for so doing is to spite the nation, douse the “carnival season” (Mashramani celebrations) with poisonous pessimism to discourage visitors who would come to Guyana for the event, and to damage business.

The perennial pessimists and political narcissists continue to beat up on Guyana, placing good news not only under the headlines, but beyond reach.
But like every discovery of oil, the good news will inevitably float to surface, with an irrepressible message, that a handful in the media cannot sink the truth or bury the hopes of the Guyanese nation.