The GPA clearly supports lawlessness
WHILE temptation may coerce one to believe that the way the Guyana Press Association (GPA) operates is mind-boggling, the reality is that the self-touted media body is just being true to form. They have marketed themselves as the mouth-piece for the Opposition through their actions of open allegiance. This is blatantly evident when one looks at the utterances of their affiliates, Prime News, Capitol News, the Kaieteur News, the Stabroek News and Channels 6 and 9.
This allegiance was further confirmed in the recent report of GECOM’s Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) which shows that the government received a high percentage of negative coverage from these entities. Channel 6 provided negative coverage to the government in a ratio of 10:1; Stabroek News 56 times more negative than positive; Kaieteur News, 3:1; Channel 7, 10:1 and Channel 9, 60:1! This was predictable. What is not surprising is that these entities are being defended by the GPA!
Not only do these media outfits defend and articulate the Opposition’s positions, but very often lace their opinionated reportage with infused divisive tendencies. And that’s not all; they deliberately avoid mention of their transgressions. Channel 6 was suspended for airing a commentary punctuated with the potential of creating disharmony and pitting one group against another. History has shown the dire consequences of similar irresponsible utterances. The horror seen in Rwanda is one example.
It is in this context and with the knowledge of the vile diatribes of the local media entities mentioned, that government officials expounded on similarities with the Rwanda media which was responsible for the slaughter of thousands of innocent civilians. The GPA, its affiliates and its political masters must not be ambiguous of the fact that any Guyanese or group that seeks to divide the people of this nation, must be met with the full brunt of the law; jail included. This sentiment is shared by all Guyanese except the few in the sections of the media mentioned.
The government officials who spoke out against the wicked and mischievous actions of the sections of the local media referred to, must be commended for having the courage to confront and expose the potential danger posed by the commentary in question and its defence by the GPA. The GPA has skilfully used its political training to accuse government officials of intimidation when the similarities of their actions and that of Rwanda media operatives in the past were exposed. How more ridiculous can the GPA get? How can the exposure of their actions be construed as intimidation?
According to the GPA it is supposed to encourage its affiliates to be steadfast in responsible reporting. But where was this sense of responsibility when Channel 6 aired Mr. Vieira’s commentary? Why hasn’t the GPA spoken out on the rabid and inciting comments articulated in the commentary mentioned? Why has the GPA deliberately avoided the real issue of divisiveness through Channel 6’s irresponsible broadcast and now seeks to save face by claiming intimidation?
By their actions on this particular issue, the GPA has clearly supported the articulation of divisive sentiments in the public domain. By extension, the GPA is encouraging irresponsible broadcast by an affiliate and therefore is being selective on issues they want to represent.
Again, it proves the GPA’s political allegiance to the Opposition and its cronies. The GPA which has lost its credibility long ago has now lost the right to be classified as an organisation to represent media operatives. All Guyanese must be vociferous in their condemnation of the GPA for supporting lawlessness. All must unify in advocating for harsh penalties for those who seek to divide regardless whether they are media operatives or not, for none is above the law.