Dear Editor,
The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day was “Journalism and Freedom of Expression in the Context of the Current Global Environmental Crisis.” This, I must admit was necessary and quite timely. However, amidst Global Environmental Crisis, my mind locked into freedom of expression where Guyana is concerned, especially regarding what now obtains, as against what used to be in a bygone era.
Firstly, let me emphasize that a fearless, free and independent press is a vital element in any democracy. It gives citizens the information they need to hold their leaders accountable and promotes economic development. In fact, the right to press freedom is enshrined in the founding documents of the United Nations as well as in many national constitutions.
I add that generally, in a dictatorship, ‘fearless, free and independent’ press is missing as citizens do not have rights in a dictatorship. They are not allowed to criticize or challenge the government, speak their minds, practice the religion of their choice, and be safe in their homes from governmental or law enforcement intrusion. And this was not so for a very long time in Guyana, namely, the pre-1992 era. My point is that ‘Press Freedom’ was not even a topic back then. So, when today, I hear of people criticizing the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for intimidating journalists or stymieing ‘press freedom,’ I am most aghast.
Indeed, like Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy, I cannot help but admit that the “PPP/C Government Gov’t (is) resolute in its commitment to press freedom.” Many back then have now found courage, and not being fearful anymore, they are now merely agents’ provocateurs. They seem unable to contain and constrain themselves in the milieu of unbridled freedom and overriding democracy. Their captiousness is all too predictable and nauseating, and hopefully will end.
In this vein, I am pleased that Minister McCoy, during his address at a Climate Town Hall forum, held in observance of the 31st United Nations World Press Freedom Day, noted that “Freedom of the Press has always been a cornerstone in the ideological outlook of the current administration (PPP/C), and it is not accidental that successive PPP/C governments have forged an enabling environment for Guyanese media operatives to work freely and thrive.”
Today in Guyana, irrespective of the issue, whether environmental, crime or foreign policy, there is an inhibited and free media culture prevailing. Indeed, almost daily, journalists – and those who defend them – face immense risks to their safety, and the safety of their families, on account of their profession. The number of deaths and incidents of violence, harassment, threats of arbitrary detention, censorship and intimidation among journalists as they pursue reporting are all increasing. My question is “When and where in Guyana can we see this?”
Sincerely,
HB. Singh
