In his message to mark World Press Freedom Day today, European Union (EU) Ambassador Fernando Ponz Cantó reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to defend press freedom noting that it is a pillar of democracy which led to the declaration of results for the March 2020 General Elections in Guyana.
“I want to highlight and comment on the important role that press and media in Guyana played, in particular, during the general elections of 2020. (This) was fundamental and this was essential in this important process which led finally to the declaration of results,” Canto stated before saying that the Guyanese media has been playing a fundamental role in promoting progress across the board.
He added, “Freedom of expression and information as well as the freedom of the press provides the most powerful platform for contributing significantly to the formation of public opinion. This allows people to make informed choices in political decisions and their daily lives. These freedoms are therefore essential for democracy; which is one of the fundamental values common to all the EU member states and to most of our partners. On World Press Freedom day we want to celebrate the essential role of free press. Not only as a cornerstone for reliable and accurate news but as a pillar of democracy.”
World Press Freedom Day is being observed today under the theme ‘Information as a Public Good’ which serves as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind.
Canto went on to add that the quality of democratic processes is linked to the state of freedom of expression and media freedom stressing that there is no democracy without a free press. He stated that press freedom is a core value for the EU and it is therefore committed to contributing to the protection and promotion of press freedom.
In addition, he said, the media has a critical role to play during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The EU continues promoting free and fair media not only at home but also globally with relations and partner countries by providing funding for targeted projects that enhance quality for journalism, press freedom and access to public information….The EU reaffirms now the determination to defend press and media freedom within its borders but also worldwide in partnership with our friends, authorities and civil society,” Canto said.
