–Minister McCoy emphasises; urges cultivation of collaborative relations among stakeholders
MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister of The Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Kwame McCoy has implored stakeholders to leave behind the adversarial relationships they have developed and move forward into a new age of constructive collaboration based upon trust, accountability and shared goals.
The minister emphasised this point during his address to global leaders at the closing session of the 2026 World Press Freedom Day Conference which was hosted at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
McCoy made reference to the many people who attended the conference including government Representatives, UNESCO officials and members of the international press corps.
The minister emphasized that Press Freedom is not just some theoretical concept or mere idea; rather it represents a real obligation that is shared equally by all members of society.
“An Independent Free Press exists not alone,” he stated, adding: “Rather it relies upon a joint effort from all sectors of society – namely governments, media practitioners, civil society and citizens.”
The importance of the minister’s statement was heightened by the fact that Guyana is currently celebrating its Diamond Anniversary (60th anniversary) since attaining Independence.
The minister indicated that this occasion provides a unique opportunity to examine the institutions that have contributed to shaping and protecting Guyana’s democracy.
In this regard, he reaffirmed the continuing important role that the Press plays as the Fourth Estate and therefore contributes significantly to public life.
McCoy clearly asserted that Press Freedom in Guyana is neither theoretical nor rhetorical. Rather, it is a tangible reality.
The minister emphasised that Guyana’s governance framework supports the free, responsible and diverse nature of Media in every form; a support that aligns perfectly with global democratic principles recognising a free Press as essential to transparency, accountability and sustainable development.
At the center of McCoy’s speech was a plea to fundamentally alter the relationship between governments and media.
He recognised that suspicion has frequently characterised this relationship. However, he called on both sides to transition away from doubt and toward mutual transparency and accountability.
“We need to make a shift from Adversary Posture to Constructive Engagement,” he declared strongly. “And once Trust is Developed, the media should no longer view themselves as adversaries but as key Partners in National Development.”
While McCoy recognised that trust alone will not sufficiently protect press freedom from challenges related to the rapidly evolving information landscape, he pointed out the considerable challenges that traditional media institutions are facing due to artificial intelligence and unregulated online platforms. These are forces that are changing how information is created, distributed and consumed.
While acknowledging the opportunities presented by these technologies, McCoy warned of several grave risks including mis-information/dis-information and erosion of editorial standards.
As a result of these challenges, Minister McCoy issued two separate calls – one to the media and one to governments/international bodies.
First, he called on media organisations to act promptly to adapt to these changes by investing in digital transformation and rededicating their role as credible sources of verified information.
Second, he called on governments and international bodies to develop frameworks that promote innovation while safeguarding truth and accountability.
“To survive in this new environment requires vigilance and innovation” he stated.
Finally, McCoy closed his speech with a message of determination.
He reminded delegates that ultimately the trajectory of press freedom Will be determined by human choices: The choice to uphold Integrity; to collaborate across divides and to defend the right of the public to receive accurate reliable information.
“A free fair responsible Press is not optional,” he Affirmed, noting, “it is essential to development stability and pogress.”
