Dear Editor,
The claim by the Guyana Press Association (GPA) that it welcomes criticism (5/18/20 24) must be summarily dismissed. The truth is that any critique, no matter how informed, substantiated, or mild, will be dismissed by the GPA with such characterisations as “baseless and defamatory attacks.”
Imagine that the GPA does not even want to accept feedback from one of its own, in this case, Neil Marks. Rather than consider Mr. Marks’ observations, the GPA embarks on a relentless scorched-earth strategy of personal attacks intended to ruin the professional status of one of Guyana’s best journalists.

And rather than engage in critical self-reflection, the GPA lowers the bar to a level that no self-respecting journalist or professional body should ever countenance.
One particularly sinister charge by the GPA needs to be exposed and condemned. This concerns the GPA’s wild and irresponsible accusation that Mr. Marks “…[has] attack[ed] … women in the media and communications fields.” If he has, then launch a complaint with the relevant controlling authority.

It is my considered view that the GPA is the institutional form of a well-organised anti-PPP trolling machine. It hides behind the universal sympathies justifiably accorded to journalists world-wide. It derives whatever little legitimacy it may have only because those INGOs that rank and rate us are clueless about the daily abuse the PPP government receives from the likes of Kaieteur News and others.
Neil Marks is a fine journalist, and I urge him to continue with his excellent reporting. As for the Guyana Press Association, you need to conduct your affairs with greater professionalism.
Sincerely,
Dr Randy Persaud