The heads of missions for the ABCE countries in a joint press statement have issued a call for media workers in Guyana to be allowed to do their work without any unnecessary duress or risk to their safety in order to access information.
In the statement released in observed of International Press Freedom Day which is being observed under the theme: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights,” the diplomats have underscored that the media plays a pivotal role in society by disseminating facts for public consumption and helping citizens in Guyana stay informed, established opinion, make informed choices and participate in meaningfully in society.
According to the ABCE diplomats the media also allows for transparency and accountability which are important components for Guyana’s management of resources during a time of rapid growth, as such it is imperative that all stakeholders which includes 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 the top diplomats said translates to granting the media access to public officials and to information should be the norm. Requests for public information should be honoured, as they said the 2013 Access to information Act should be effectively implemented to empower the media to do their job.
Further, the four said that media worker should not be restricted not 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.
Additionally, the diplomats said 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. They also called 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.