Guyana observes World Press Freedom Day 2020

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, May 3, 2020

Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing World Press Freedom Day, today, Sunday, May 3, 2020.

This year’s observation is being held under the theme “Journalism without fear or favour” and comes at a time where there are several uncertainties and challenges to the lives and livelihoods of people across the globe.

In a statement, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) stated that the theme captures “the essence of the challenge the media face in the current period.”

“All of the features of this new media landscape now conspire to challenge the way we do our work, and the manner in which we ought to remain committed to its core values of balance, independence and fairness,” the release said.

It noted that the theme also attaches significance to the fact of an increasingly complex media landscape.

The GPA noted that in Guyana, the extended electoral process combined with the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the newsgathering process and the dissemination of information.

“For the GPA and the community of media workers we represent, this has meant increased vigilance and deeper commitment to the profession. It is calling on our assets as independent professionals prepared to look critically at our changing circumstances.”

The GPA noted that while these are difficult circumstances, “it is laden with professional opportunity.”

“Disinformation has to be countered with facts and data; safety is being extended to include protection from a deadly pandemic, and bias and the compromising of standards must be met by a commitment to truth and honesty.”

The GPA urged members of the media fraternity “to reflect on where we are and to consider our options for the future,” and reminded that their tasks as journalists “have everything to do with such a great assignment as a people and as a nation.”