Today, May 3, marks World Press Freedom Day – a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of press freedom and to remind governments of their duty to uphold it.

The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental human right. It enables journalists to investigate and report on issues that are crucial to the public interest; to hold those in power accountable, and to provide citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions.

However, in many parts of the world, journalists face harassment, intimidation, imprisonment, and even violence for their work. Governments and powerful entities often try to suppress the media’s reporting and criticism, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability.

In the era of digital communication, press freedom is more critical than ever before. The internet and social media have provided new platforms for journalists to disseminate information and reach wider audiences. However, they have also enabled the spread of disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech, which can undermine the public’s trust in the media and weaken democracy.

On this Press Freedom Day, we should reflect on the challenges that journalists face in fulfilling their vital role and renew our commitment to protect and promote the freedom of the press. Governments should ensure that journalists can work without fear of retaliation or censorship, and that they have access to information that is essential for their reporting.

We should also support independent media outlets and responsible journalism, as they are essential for maintaining a healthy public discourse and holding those in power accountable. Let us stand together to defend the freedom of the press and the democratic values that it represents.

Guyana is generally considered to have a free and independent press, with a constitution that guarantees freedom of expression and the press.

The media landscape is diverse, with a range of private newspapers, radio and television stations, and online outlets.

However, there have been concerns about incidents of harassment and violence against journalists, particularly those probing political persons, as was seen recently when a Guyana Chronicle journalist was verbally attacked by Chief Scrutineer of the PNC/APNU, Carol Joseph. There have also been questions regarding the treatment of reporters by the Opposition Leader and other persons close to the Opposition.

Local journalists have also been subject to vile attacks on social media attacks from unknown characters.

Overall, while press freedom in Guyana is generally respected, there are still some challenges and risks facing journalists and media organisations.

Calling press freedom “our way of life” in any democratic society, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had said last year that the media plays a critical role in society, particularly in Guyana, given the important development juncture that the country is at, with its burgeoning oil and gas sector.

“I believe in the full freedom of the press. I am open to constructive criticism. Freedom and press freedom… to understand what it is is understanding our way of life; it is a culture. All of us have to have it in us to accept it as a way of life, of culture,” President Ali declared.

However, the President pointed out that as with any democratic freedoms, there must be regulations against abuses.

“When we speak of freedom, we are speaking of the ability to conduct ourselves in an open, free manner. But the ability to conduct ourselves in such a manner is within the confines of rules and the constitution that exists in a democratic society,” the Head of State said.

In essence, while the media has the responsibility to ask probing questions and highlight injustices, there is also the implied understanding that this must be done ethically and responsibly at all times.