The GPA has suspended its call for a boycott of coverage of government events, although it has received many positive inquiries from both the State-owned media and private media personnel.
In a press release the Guyana Press Association (GPA) said it will be “monitoring and continuously reviewing the situation very closely” even as it pursues its objective of being the “channel between the decision-makers and the public”. The group said it hopes its decision to suspend the call for a boycott will open the door for consultations involving the government and the Guyana Defence Force.
In this regard, the GPA said it eagerly awaits a response from President Bharrat Jagdeo, to a letter dated March 19, 2007, shortly after he made unsavoury remarks about the media. The GPA said to date it has not received any acknowledgement or signals of interest in its request for a meeting.
The group said in the public’s interest, it urged the President to “normalize relations with the media or risk further de-motivating” its corps of young, dedicated and enthusiastic workers. The GPA said its workers need all the assistance they can obtain for their professional development so that they can collectively contribute to “our evolving democracy.”
The GPA said while it awaits a response to its 10-month-old letter it urges media practitioners to “remain focused and vigilant against insults or attacks in any form during the conduct of your duties.” The GPA said it reaffirms its highest regard for all non-governmental, regional, international, civilian and military offices countrywide but at no time will it stand idly by and allow its media workers to be subjected to humiliation and disrespect.
