Dear Editor,
As a result of the conspicuous and striking silence from the so-called bastions of press freedom in Guyana, it has become imperative to share this perspective on press conferences hosted by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and generally by the PNC-led APNU. The Guyana Press Association, and Stabroek News editorial pages, often quick to gripe about the free and independent media, have all conveniently ignored Norton and the APNU’s continued use of virtual press conferences to limit media participation. One can only conclude that the political opposition is opportunistically operating under COVID-19 restrictions in an effort to confine the media’s functioning and to shut out reporters from Congress Place. And this conclusion is justified because Norton and other leaders are seen across the country shaking hands in communities, mixing openly with patrons.
Nearly two months ago, the World Health Organization stated that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency. Long before the WHO announcement, the Guyana Government, like all other Governments around the world rolled back restrictions that limited gatherings. Essentially, Norton really has no excuse for media exclusion. Surprisingly, the AFC, which persisted in a similar manner to its opposition counterpart for several months by shutting out the media from in-person press conferences, recently departed from this practice and opted to invite the media to attend a presser at the party’s headquarters. So then, why has Norton’s PNC continued with the bizarre policy of hosting virtual press conferences as opposed to face-to-face interactions with the media? The party is seeking to maintain an iron fist on who gets to pose questions to the Opposition Leader and when those questions are fielded. Not having the media physically present offers Norton protection from the prying eyes and ears of journalists.
At a recent press conference, Norton looked ill-prepared to answer questions on oil and gas. The reporter’s audio suddenly dropped. Then there was one reporter who asked Norton a question about the PPP/C gaining more seats in Georgetown at the Local Government Elections. As if it was instinct that overcame Norton, he expressed that he could not have heard the question, while simultaneously seeking help to answer the very question by consulting with his fellow comrades seated next to him. Continuing the media lockout from Congress Place exposes an inherent weakness by Norton to face the music as it were and be accountable to this nation. I await the party’s next press conference to glean whether the media lockout at Congress Place continues.
Sincerely,
Brian Azore
