THE recent activities held in Guyana to mark World Press Freedom Day could be deemed a success.
It was remarkable to see the level of discussion that occurred and centered on the role of a free press in modern society and the challenges to accessing public information.

Journalists, communications personnel and stakeholders pitched in at various points in the national discourse that centred on the theme ‘Journalism Under Surveillance’, and the sub-theme, ‘Partnerships in communications for development’.

Further, there seems to be a concern in society regarding alleged attempts by the PPP/C Administration to censor harsh criticisms, the non-holding of post-Cabinet media briefings to date, and the use of spy equipment to target journalists and social media influencers.

Firstly, the organisers of the two-day activity are deserving of our congratulations for putting together the conference and symposium.
The major events were well-focused, frank and ran smoothly, with no group or stakeholder complaining that they were censored or left out.

It seems that the government team guided the various discussions and did not try to influence participants in any way or form. Also, it is hoped that the feedback gathered will go into the future formulation of policies.

After all, this conference was the first at the national level put on by any government in the recent past that sought to bring so many minds together, with a view of discussing Guyana’s media landscape, ethics and practices and thrust into the future.

Secondly, it did not occur to any right-thinking Guyanese or rational thinking being, that the event was aimed at censorship or influencing the media, both public and private because it was not.
This PPP/C Government, it would seem, does not have a problem with the media in Guyana once it reports the truth frontally, factually, responsibly, and with balance.

Apart from the abovementioned, the activities were held to reinforce the safeguards or ethics and solicit views on how to improve the role of information that reaches the public.
Thirdly, one would be well-advised to take anything that the Guyana Press Association says with a tip of salt.

There seems to be a hidden agenda or motive for asking for the President’s assurance publicly, at a point in time when there is no such concern about government spying on citizens.
Maybe, the GPA wants to be preemptive. It could be part and parcel of the Opposition’s plan soon to start up a claim that has a spurious foundation.

Whatever the motive, President Irfaan Ali publicly dismissed the spurious spying claims, and assured it would never occur.
The truth is, the GPA is overly dramatic and wants to be relevant. It does not have to be preemptive of this government because there is no secrecy.

The PPP/C Government believes in the media right to access information according to the law. Media freedom is held in a highly esteemed position and will never be easily violated but will always be respected.
During the previous regime the media was starved of information, despite there being a President and a minister of state, who was performing the function of a press secretary.

Comparing it to the record of Granger and his ministers, the present Administration is holding more press conferences, interviews and outreaches across Guyana.
Additionally, it is also believed that the post-cabinet briefings are going to be addressed shortly, but there are bound to be some changes in the design.

In the meantime, there are many more urgent and compelling things that the GPA should focus its attention on.
For instance, it should try harder to correct the leadership paralysis situation that seemingly has turned the GPA into a one personship since 2018.

It could also embark on a process of reorganisation as there are many more important issues that media workers need help with than the few training sessions.

Lastly, the media in Guyana must be held accountable to and by the people. While it is true that media as the fourth estate has a very important role to play, it is also true that the government must help to protect citizens from the onslaught of misinformation, lies, opposition conspiracy theories, spurious and unbalanced reportage, and yellow journalism.

One way the PPP/C Administration seems to be helping is by providing wholesome public information about its policies, projects, and plans, and positive propaganda when it sees fit.
Another way is creating an environment where the media is responsible and free to grow.

It does not criticise the media unjustly or deliberately withhold critical development information. Ask the media not the GPA!