-PM’s office rejects claim
The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has strongly condemned what it describes as attempts to discredit journalists, following the coverage of Tuesday’s protest at the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown, in support of online activist Melissa Atwell Holder.
The association’s statement, issued on March 19, expressed concerns over targeted attacks from state-supported social media pages, particularly “Live in Guyana”
In response, the Department of Information and Public Affairs (DIPA), Office of the Prime Minister rejected the GPA’s claims, arguing that Guyana continues to uphold a free and open media environment. DIPA described the GPA’s concerns as baseless and politically motivated, accusing the association’s leadership of engaging in selective advocacy.
Meanwhile, GPA’s statement raised alarm over what it called a pattern of online attacks against journalists and media professionals, particularly those covering politically sensitive events. It noted that state-affiliated platforms have frequently engaged in spurious and misleading reports, aiming to discredit independent journalism.
“The relentless and spurious reports from this page, and others like it, are an insult to journalism and a distraction from well-researched and ethical outlets that work to deliver the truth to the Guyanese people,” the GPA stated.
The association emphasised that journalists must be able to operate free from fear, harassment, or state-backed intimidation, while reminding that press freedom is one of the pillars of democracy and should not be subject to political interference or online smear campaigns.
In a release, DIPA maintained that press freedom in Guyana remains intact and accused GPA of exaggerating claims for political gain. The department insisted that journalists in Guyana operate freely, without state censorship or interference, and highlighted that Guyana enjoys one of the most liberalised social media environments in the region.
However, the government raised concerns over what it described as the weaponization of misinformation and disinformation, with DIPA warning that while freedom of the press is vital, journalistic responsibility is equally important to prevent the erosion of democratic principles.
“The increasing spread of falsehoods under the guise of press freedom is a matter of national concern. Freedom comes with responsibility, and it is imperative that media practitioners uphold ethical standards to prevent the spread of disinformation that could destabilize society,” DIPA’s statement read.
Further, DIPA also accused the GPA’s leadership of bias, pointing to what it called a pattern of selective advocacy. The government criticised the GPA for remaining silent when state media journalists face intimidation and threats, suggesting that the association is only vocal when private media workers are involved.
Additionally, the government questioned GPA President, Nazima Raghubir’s, presence at the Melissa Atwell Holder protest, implying that her involvement blurred the lines between media advocacy and partisan activism.
“The true motivations behind the GPA’s statements and its role in media advocacy must be examined, particularly as the association has repeatedly attempted to engineer negative narratives leading up to World Press Freedom Day,” DIPA stated.
