Dear Editor,
I wish to refer to the unfolding saga of the recent Press Conference held by President Irfaan Ali. I do so because I share the optimism of one who in defense of the handling of that conference adverted to the belief that the pen is mightier than the sword. How much this has impacted on human history is of course another matter and how much it is allowed to in Guyana is the mighty hurdle. In his defense, of Mr. Nasciemento handling of this Press Conference, Minister Kwame Mc Coy apparently in an attempt to burnish the image of Mr. Nascimento made reference to the fact that he is in his 89th year. On that score, those of us of that generation grew up learning and accepting the importance of respect for ladies and were taught to be careful in criticizing females.
To the Press Conference itself, any press conference organized for the Head of State should have comfort and adequate space, whether it is held at Leonora, Georgetown or Babu Jaan. Failure in these two areas constitutes a disrespect for our Head of State. If a building is not available, tents, chairs and tables are today available in abundance. The contention about a lack of space or excuse is ludicrous and unworthy. With so many things happening locally and internationally, it behoves our Head of State to give guidance on topical matters whether it be oil and gas, school fires, cost of living and a miscellany of matters.
The non sequitur by referring to the immediate past President David Granger and what takes place at the White House is of course not relevant to the issue at hand. I can forgive Minister Mc Coy but Mr. Nascimento and the older folks are aware of us hosting press conferences where reporters and journalists were able to field questions for in excess of ninety minutes nonstop. One ought not to restrict the number of questions a journalist/ reporter can ask of the Head of State. Mr. Nascimento, for whom I have a high regard, should know this and be able to advise the younger brigade. The challenge of a democracy and the viability of our country require that organizations such as the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and its leadership be neither throttled, trampled, threatened nor trivialized.
Sincerely,
Hamilton Green
Elder