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The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as an escalating climate of harassment, intimidation, and discrimination against media workers by political leaders across Guyana. In an official statement released on October 25, the GPA emphasized that these actions not only threaten press freedom but could result in self-censorship among journalists, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
“For several months now, media professionals across the country have raised concerns about harassment, aggression, intimidation, and non-cooperation by politicians across the political spectrum,” the GPA noted, urging officials to respect press freedoms and civil liberties. The GPA highlighted an array of specific incidents involving media harassment, including instances where journalists have faced threats, verbal attacks, and even sedition charges.
A particularly concerning case involved journalist Leroy Smith, who reported on the investigation of senior police officer Calvin Brutus. According to the GPA, Smith was subsequently threatened with sedition and obstruction charges by the Special Organised Crime Unit.
The association also drew attention to incidents involving Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, who allegedly shouted at a Stabroek News reporter over coverage of a migrant-related issue. The GPA cited this as part of a pattern where “politicians seek to normalize targeting media houses and media workers” with disparaging or even “vulgar” language in response to critical reporting.
The GPA’s statement further criticized the selective treatment of media outlets by the government, accusing officials of granting interview access only to “friendly” media while sidelining those deemed unfavorable. State-sponsored attacks on independent media outlets are an additional cause for concern, particularly in light of ongoing campaigns, allegedly led by social media influencer Mikhail Rodrigues, that advocate for reduced state advertising to outlets like Kaieteur News.
These actions, according to the GPA, pose a threat to the economic stability of independent media houses. “There is a campaign to discredit the media, and more so the independent media,” the GPA asserted, calling the strategy a direct threat to “the economic viability of independent media houses in Guyana.”
The GPA is calling for immediate action, urging political leaders to adopt a respectful and collaborative approach toward the media. It also emphasized the need for greater support for media training, robust fact-checking, and verification of information to uphold journalistic integrity. The GPA further suggested that the Guyana Elections Commission consider media monitoring and develop a political code of conduct to mitigate election-related tensions affecting media workers.
“As the election cycle has begun, GECOM should also consider a political code of conduct for politicians, as it does for the media,” the GPA’s statement recommended.
The GPA concluded by reiterating its commitment to support the training and protection of media workers and urged all parties to recognize and respect the role of a free press in fostering transparency and accountability.
