-PM Phillips says, reaffirms government’s commitment to free and responsible press

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips underscored the government’s commitment to protecting and strengthening press freedom in Guyana. This, he explained, must be done with responsibility, accuracy, and integrity within the media profession.

During his address at the Media Appreciation Brunch held on Sunday, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted the importance of a free, vibrant press in a democracy. He said this year’s observance carries special significance as Guyana celebrates its 60th Independence, and reflects on the institutions that have anchored it.

“Foremost among these institutions is the press, not merely as a channel of information, but as a foundational pillar of a democratic society. The Fourth Estate’s influence extends beyond reporting, into shaping public consciousness, enabling accountability, and safeguarding public interest,” he said.

The Prime Minister, who is performing the functions of President, also spoke about modern challenges facing the press, including misinformation, disinformation, digital disruption, artificial intelligence, and the growing tension between speed and accuracy. He warned that these realities place greater responsibility on journalists, institutions, and citizens to protect truth in the public domain.

Prime Minister Phillips also said that the relationship between the State and the Press has evolved, and that the country has made meaningful progress in expanding civic space, and strengthening democratic norms.

From a policy perspective, the Prime Minister said the government’s role is to ensure that conditions for press freedom are protected and continuously improved. This, he noted, includes investing in institutional capacity, such as through the Guyana Media and Communication Academy, which is preparing media professionals to operate within a professional, rapidly evolving global information landscape.

“Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic life, but its strength lies in its responsible exercise. The credibility of the press, and by extension, the quality of public discourse, depends on adherence to standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity,” he said.

He also addressed Guyana’s continued engagement with global press freedom assessments, including those produced by Reporters Without Borders. While such reports play an important role in highlighting trends and areas of concern, he explained that they may not always fully capture the nuances of individual national environments or the progress made over time.

This, he added, underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue, reflection, and clarification so that such assessments can be better understood alongside the reality of Guyana’s media landscape.

He added that the future envisioned by this year’s theme cannot be achieved without a media that is both free and responsible, and affirmed that the relationship between the Government and the media must continue to evolve through constructive engagement, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to national development.

“As Guyana enters its next chapter beyond 60 years of Independence, the media will remain central to shaping our collective future. Your work will continue to influence how we see ourselves, how we engage with each other, and how we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

World Press Freedom Day 2026 was held under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security”. (OPM)