– sees media as crucial to dissemination of important information, minister says

THE media is crucial to the dissemination of important information and as such, the government will continue to work along with all media workers and agencies in support of their right to expression.

So said Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson at a two-day Gender and Local Government workshop in Essequibo.

“I see the press as a very important body, a very important association because, mind you, they work closely with the government to ensure that our messages are reported in a timely manner; to sensitise the general populace on Government’s activities and Government’s agenda,” she told participants at the workshop on Thursday, in observance of World Press Freedom Day, which evaluates and celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom around the world.

The minister then wished media operators around the country every success, stating that President David Granger holds highly the advancement of press freedom.
“Continue to do your profession at a high standard. This government is committed to working with all reporters, and I know His Excellency is big on this, when it comes to freedom of the press,” Minister Ferguson said, adding:

“He firmly believes that the press has their role to play, but they must, at all times, act responsibly and in a professional manner.”

Just recently, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) noted in a statement Guyana’s elevation by five places on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.