Please see the full release below from the Alliance for Change on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD):
Today, Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing World Press Freedom Day under the theme, “Journalism Under Digital Siege”. This is especially relevant in today’s context where anyone with access to the internet and a keypad is free to publish for public consumption, their opinion on any matter with little attention to THE basic principles of journalism.
The digital age has allowed the real-time flow of information. Technology has allowed journalists to reach their audiences as a story happens and has expanded the world of information to the fingertips of every citizen.
As a nation, we have come a far way in promoting and ensuring freedom of expression and the right of journalists to seek and publish information in the public’s interest. This freedom must not be taken for granted. Never again must we degenerate to the stage where journalists are suspended for questioning public officials or be banned from press conferences hosted by government officials because they have published the truth or asked searching questions. Never again must advertising be withheld by a government because a media house publishes information critical of it.
Under the APNU+AFC coalition government, there was a resurgence in press freedom and freedom of expression. This period saw possibly the greatest level of unhindered criticism of a government by both the established media and individuals. This is as it should be!
The Alliance For Change is especially mindful of veiled and open attempts to silence criticism of the present Administration and will repel such attempts with all its energies. The AFC fully subscribes to the principles of journalism, strongly supports the right of individuals to question their elected officials and for their voices to be heard.
