Local journalist and President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir has underscored the need for assurances from the government that “tactics” such as the use of spyware will not be used to threaten the media’s work.
Raghubir’s call comes against the backdrop of her caution that the local media fraternity is indeed at risk, particularly on the online platform.
“These threats expose the media to destructive intrusions by Ransomware and Spyware which pose the severe risk of threatening the financial and technological existence of our media houses. In our statement, we called on media houses to safeguard themselves as well as the government to assure media houses and operatives that such tactics would not be used to threaten the work of the media,” she said at an event on Tuesday in observance of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).
The GPA President said that the media remain a significant partner in the development and growth of any democratic nation and its contribution can be seen as both a role in educating and advocating.
She added that assurance must also be given that the press would be allowed to operate without fear, fear of intimidation and or threats.
The GPA President added that the rights and freedoms associated with the work of the media must be respected at all times.
Raghubir reminded the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, that in order for the media to continue to contribute to development, access is important.
She also expressed hope that the government will return to post-cabinet briefings.
Raghubir pointed out also that broadcasters continue to face hefty license fees in the face of dwindling revenue based expedited by the pandemic. She echoed the call for government advertisements to be spread equally to both traditional and online media outlets.
