– Dr Jagdeo underscores the importance of integrity, honesty
-says gov’t is committed to dismantling the spread of fake news

NOTING that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is committed to tackling the escalation of fake news, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is urging for integrity and honesty to prevail within the media landscape.

While other countries, such as Jamaica, have taken a firm stance on drawing the line between fake news and free speech, the Irfaan Ali-led government has reaffirmed its belief in press freedom; however, Dr Jagdeo is urging journalists and media houses not to allow their agenda to get in the way of objective journalism.
During a recent press conference at the party’s headquarters, the Sunday Chronicle questioned Dr. Jagdeo about the prevalent distortion of facts; in response, he expressed disappointment with the misinformation that is being peddled by known critics of the government.

Using President Dr Irfaan Ali’s press conference as an example of how there was selective coverage of this important event, Dr Jagdeo pointed out that despite this being a unique opportunity, it was squandered.
“He [President Ali] spoke extensively about various sectors. Please do him the courtesy of reporting what he said, even if you want to talk about other things. But it’s totally lopsided. There was practically no coverage of the substantive things,” the Vice President said.

He added, “We’re not looking to control or direct media or reporters. We believe in independence. But reporters do have to also have some integrity and honesty when they come to the press conferences. You can’t come with an agenda. You have to come to the press conferences with the idea that you want to portray the truth to your readers.”
According to Dr Jagdeo, it was for that very reason that he holds his weekly press conference, because if the ruling PPP does not respond to the misinformation that was brewing in the public domain, such as the subject matter of procurement, then it will be labelled as “corrupt.”

In April, President Ali, in rejecting “selfish propaganda” geared at achieving political advantage, maintained that the “One Guyana” objective will be achieved through the integration of the country’s people, with equal and equitable opportunities.
During an interview with Trinidad and Tobago’s CNC 3 morning show, the Guyanese Head of State said the unjustified claims are engineered to portray a narrative that has historically been peddled by the political opposition to create division among citizens.

“I don’t waste my time on propaganda that is aimed at selfishly accomplishing things that give you some political advantage or some political narrative,” he said, adding: “This country is going to move forward as ‘One Guyana’ with all the people integrated as one; we are going to set the agenda as to what unity looks like. We’re going to live in unity; we’re going to ensure that unity is incorporated into economic expansion and policymaking.”

The President highlighted that the government’s push for unity is evidenced by several projects and initiatives geared at improving the lives of all Guyanese.
Despite what is being peddled, the Head of State affirmed that Guyanese could look forward to the nonstop implementation of policies and programmes to enhance their livelihoods and push economic development.

“You will see a continuation of policies that would lead to sustainable development; policies that are aimed and directed towards building the prosperity of every family. You will see Guyana taking a lead role, if not the lead, on the issue of climate security, energy security and food security,” President Ali said.
Already, the government has outlined an ambitious 2030 and beyond agenda for sustainable economic growth.

With special emphasis on improving the lives of every citizen, major investments will continue in the areas of agriculture, health, and education.
“We don’t want wealth to be in economic parameters alone; we want wealth to be enjoyed by citizens of the country through a good standard of living,” Dr Ali said, adding: “You will see a lot of policies and programmes that will continue along this trajectory.”