The Guyana Press Association (GPA) yesterday said it endorses recent criticisms of President David Granger’s failure to hold periodic press conferences.
“We believe that the retort by the Ministry of the Presidency to a Stabroek News editorial (of July 9th) is nothing but a shameless insult to the intelligence of the media corps and by extension the Guyanese public at large.
“For the record, the President barely speaks to the media for five minutes after any official engagement.
“This was evident when the President was approached on Monday, July 16th, 2018 for a reaction to accusations of non-fulfillment of promises by the National Toshaos Council. The Head of State barely afforded reporters a 1 minute opportunity until they were forced out of the way as he hopped into his car”, the GPA declared.
It said that in the not too distant past, as Opposition Leader, the media were summoned to weekly press conferences by Granger or told that he was available for public comments and interviews.
“The GPA sends a clear message to the President and the wider Ministry of the Presidency that these side-line interviews cannot be substituted for press conferences, and are at best limited cosmetic media access.
“The GPA awaits the announcement of frequent press conferences with the Head of State”.
