The Alliance for Change (AFC) believes there is an alleged plot by the current administration to undermine the Guyana Press Association (GPA). Even so, it is confidence that such a plan will not manifest, as similar plots had failed in the past. This was specifically noted by Executive Member of the AFC, Catherine Hughes.
Today, Hughes explained that the attempts by the administration are quite desperate and unfortunate, especially since there is already control over several State and other allegedly aligned media houses. She noted too that while attempts have been made in the past, the association has always remained resilient.
“They have tried to establish their own press associations in the past and thankfully, it never got off the ground. The Press Association will stand tall and it’s the only organisation that represents independently, the majority of media workers in Guyana,” Hughes said.
Meanwhile, as it pertains to the administrations reluctance to hold Cabinet Press Briefings, Hughes said that the Association’s calls for the hosting of this engagement is valid, especially since the administration in the past has engaged with media through this engagement.
“There is clearly a disregard for this administration to be transparent about the way it is awarding contracts and the people’s business. When we were in government, we engaged the press because it was important for us to have these engagements. It is callous and it shows a deliberate attempt not to be transparent,” Hughes said.
Yesterday, the GPA said in a statement, that it is seeing renewed efforts by the current administration to use its leverage in the State Media and its aligned privately-owned media to infiltrate the association with an effort to gain full control over the press and media associates. It urged media workers to stand up against such attempts.
