A TROUBLING incident has recently cast a spotlight on a glaring inconsistency in the actions of the Guyana Press Association (GPA). On May 28, a reporter from the state-run Guyana Chronicle became the target of a severe attack in a full-page ‘column’ of the Kaieteur News, where she was disparaged as “annoying” for merely doing her job: questioning the Opposition Leader on matters of national concern.

One would expect the GPA, an organisation that prides itself on upholding journalistic integrity and press freedom in Guyana, to swiftly defend any reporter under such an assault. Yet, more than two days have passed, and the GPA has remained conspicuously silent. This silence is particularly striking given the association’s recent history of vocal activism regarding the purported mistreatment of select media workers.

This selective activism raises serious questions about the GPA’s commitment to its stated principles. The organisation’s mandate is to protect and advocate for all journalists, irrespective of their employer. However, its current leadership seems to operate under a different, more partisan agenda. The GPA’s lack of response to the attack on the state media reporter starkly contrasts with its vigorous defence in other similar circumstances.

One might argue that the GPA’s silence could stem from an internal bias against state media journalists, who are often viewed through a politically tinted lens. However, journalism transcends such divides. When a journalist is undermined for fulfilling these duties, it is an attack on the very essence of press freedom.

The recent incident, where the reporter was labeled “annoying,” is not merely an isolated insult but part of a broader trend aimed at delegitimising state media workers. By not addressing this issue, the GPA has failed the individual journalist. The association’s silence implies an unsettling acquiescence to the notion that state media journalists are less deserving of protection and respect.
This publication calls upon the GPA to reflect on its role and responsibilities.

The credibility of the association hinges on its ability to impartially defend all journalists against attacks and injustices. The GPA must unequivocally condemn the disparagement of the Guyana Chronicle reporter and demonstrate that it stands up for the rights of every journalist, regardless of their affiliation.

The principles of journalism and press freedom are not selectively applied values. They are the bedrock of a democratic society and must be defended with equal fervor across the board. The GPA’s selective activism undermines these principles and erodes the trust placed in the association by the journalistic community and the public.

By defending the Guyana Chronicle reporter, the GPA would not only uphold its fundamental mission but also convey a resolute message: that journalists, regardless of their affiliation with private or state media, deserve respect, safeguarding, and the unimpeded pursuit of truth without the threat of defamation. The GPA must promptly reassert its dedication to these core principles and exhibit the neutrality that genuine advocacy necessitates.