Western Nations call for key ingredients for press freedom in Guyana

Georgetown, Guyana, 2nd May, 2023 – We the Heads of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America, H.E. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; the British High Commission, H.E. High Commissioner Jane Miller OBE; the Canadian High Commission, H.E. High Commissioner Mark Berman, and the Delegation of the European Union, H.E. Ambassador Rene van Nes, join to observe World Press Freedom Day under the theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s decision, proclaiming the international day for press freedom and it brings us to a point of reflection on the state of media freedom in Guyana after 30 years. As we reflect on this year’s theme, we recognise and acknowledge that media freedom is deeply embedded within the freedom of expression and all other human rights.

The media plays a pivotal role in society by disseminating facts for public consumption and helping citizens in Guyana stay informed, establish opinions, make informed choices, and participate meaningfully in society. The availability of facts and information is fundamental to exercising such rights as access to health, education, justice, and to fighting against gender and economic inequalities. The media’s charge to responsibly deliver the facts fairly and without bias to all people, benefits all of society.

In addition to providing access to facts and information, media freedom allows for transparency and accountability, important components for Guyana’s management of resources during a time of rapid growth. It is imperative that all stakeholders, including decision makers such as the government and the opposition, maintain a mutually respectful relationship with the media in its capacity as the fourth estate and as a vital part of democracy in action. This means granting the media access to public officials and to information should be the norm. Requests for public information should be honored. The 2013 Access to Information Act should be effectively implemented to empower the media to do their job.

Media workers should not be restricted nor have to work under unnecessary duress or risk to their safety in order to have access to information. They should not face abuse, threats, intimidation or personal attacks in the execution of their duties, nor should they be expected to align with any specific idea, person, entity or political party, whether directly or anonymously. The media’s role is to provide objective and impartial reporting, which is essential to maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring that all voices are heard. Therefore, it is important that employees of the media are protected and are able to carry out their duties without fear.

We discourage the practice of selectiveness in granting access to information or to public officials under the guise of media bias.

As we reflect on the past thirty years of advocacy for media freedom, we recognise that despite how far we have come, work remains. Together we must continue to develop the role that the media plays in promoting democracy, transparency and accountability and work collectively to understand the expectations of all stakeholders.

We therefore call on the media, Government, Opposition, and all stakeholders to recognise the roles and responsibilities of the media and its benefits to the people of Guyana.  We thank all journalists for their hard work, sacrifice and service to society, and we urge all stakeholders to continue supporting media freedom and promoting a culture of open and honest communications in Guyana.