AS Guyana joins the global community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day 2025, we stand at a crossroads in the evolution of the media.

The theme for this year, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” reminds us both of the unprecedented opportunities, as well as the complex challenges which emerging technologies present to journalism everywhere.

Here in Guyana, we can confidently look back at our nation’s history of enjoying one of the most liberalised media climates in the Caribbean, where journalists still operate free of unwarranted state interference. The government has consistently reaffirmed its dedication to upholding press freedom, so all journalists-regardless of their affiliation with private or state media-can report freely in pursuit of truth and accountability.

The Minister of Information and Public Affairs recently reaffirmed that Guyana boasts a free and open media environment, a testament to our democratic values even as we navigate the complex digital information environment.

Although the problems of disinformation and misinformation have grown, particularly on social media, the government’s call for additional policy frameworks must be understood not as attempts to suppress free speech, but as necessary measures to protect democratic values and national stability.

These efforts run  parallel to global discussions underway as part of World Press Freedom Day activities, which this year will culminate in a flagship international event on May 7 in Brussels on information as a public good in the age of AI.

The administration has demonstrated that it is dedicated to crafting a media landscape that is favourable to truth and democracy.

The government’s contention that Guyana has one of the freest social media spaces in the hemisphere is a testament to our nation’s progressive stance towards digital communication.

This role is particularly timely as we turn to UNESCO’s focus this year on how artificial intelligence is revolutionising media work and perhaps creating new press-freedom challenges across the globe. Guyana, as a nation that embraces technological advancement while maintaining respect for traditional media, is well placed to be a contributor to these international conversations.

As we reflect on the importance of freedom of the press to our democracy, it’s appropriate to recall President Ali’s firm assertion on a previous World Press Freedom Day, when he observed that “a free press is indispensable to protecting the human rights of citizens, including and especially the right to freedom of expression.”

This is still the guiding principle of government policy today, even as the boundaries of responsible journalism are debated.

The media’s huge role in society is accompanied by enormous responsibility: to provide accurate, truthful information and avoid the traps of distortion and misinformation. It is this balance that we must strive relentlessly to maintain as we go forward in the brave new world of AI-supported journalism.

World Press Freedom Day 2025 provides Guyana with the opportunity to celebrate our achievements while openly discussing our issues.

As government and media move ahead with our important, too frequently fractious, dialogue, we remain committed to the fundamental principle that a free press is the cornerstone of our democracy.

At this time of rapid technological development and information explosion, Guyana’s continuing adherence to press freedom positions us to thrive as an informed citizenry equipped to confront the challenges of our digital tomorrow with confidence and integrity.