The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has written to Attorney General, Basil Williams, expressing its “abhorrence” at his attacks on the Stabroek News, and has called for a retraction and apology.
In a February 27 letter, the GPA said it notes with “abhorrence”, a ‘letter to the editor’ sent out by the AG’s office earlier that day, “in which a blistering attack was launched” on the Stabroek News.
“While one has a right to express their discontent, it ought to be done within the realm of respect and professionalism. The missive emanating from your office did not meet either requirements but sought to attack the newspaper’s reportage, using vile language,” the GPA wrote.
The GPA objected strongly to the newspaper being referred to as “the garbage disposal bin for the PPP” and of the claim that it is “cavorting in bed with the PPP.” The use of the words “lies” and “fake news” have also caught the eye of the GPA, the letter said.
“Matter of fact, the comments mirror strongly those of the opposition PPP, while that Party was in office. It seems like this missive is bent on embracing the very lack of principles your political associates used to attack the free press,” the GPA said.
The association observed that media houses over the years have been subject to attacks by public officials and said this must end. It added that this most recent attack cannot be allowed to go unnoticed and without condemnation from the GPA.
“The GPA calls on your office to retract the offensive missive and to issue an apology to the Stabroek News and the rest of the media corps,” the GPA wrote.
The correspondence was also copied to President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State Joseph Harmon.
