Dear Editor,
Each day that public officials, elected and appointed, continue their rambling whenever they are brought to account, confirms public opinion that within this group are the ill-informed, arrogant, and those lacking of understanding of their roles, functions and responsibilities.
Leonard Craig, the Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), in his response to my statement that it was not within his remit to advise the Linden Television Trust how it should be composed, confirms my position. This is his admission that “…it is true that the GNBA cannot dictate the size and the structure of the Directorate of the Linden TV outfit…” (`Broadcast authority’s intervention in Linden TV conflict was well within its remit’ (SN 13th April, 2016) ).Yet it is the composition of the Trust that is the issue being used as the reason to delay the issuing of the licence in order that the station can be up and running.
In Craig’s letter what has been outlined is his interest in using political manoeuvring to determine whether to issue the licence or not.
While he correctly acknowledges the GNBA can mediate conflicts among licensees, the Trust does not have a licence. Thus, as Chairman he cannot get involved in any conflict, perceived or real, as to who sits on the Trust. His is the responsibility at this stage to ensure the Trust conforms to the law in its establishment in order to be granted the licence. The Trust in its present composition is considered a legally constituted body and has therefore met that requirement aspect for a licence.
Craig’s utterance in the media, where he has ascribed to himself the authority that unless the Trust goes by his advice in its composition of the board it will not be in receipt of a licence is misplaced and misguided.
The other elements of his letter have no bearing to the extant issue and shall not be addressed. What it reinforces however is a lack of knowledge of the role and responsibility of several members of state boards. Many are labouring under the misguided belief that they have the authority to flex muscles and subject persons to conditions that are in conflict with the law.
The time has come for the Prime Minister, who has responsibility for broadcasting, to ensure the law is followed to the letter and the Linden Television Trust receives its licence consistent with the 21st August 2012 Agreement between Central Government and the Region 10, Regional Democratic Council. Persons have to stop playing games with a matter that resulted in the loss of lives, injuries suffered, and dislocation.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis.
