“Stand up for a noble profession” – PM Nagamootoo to local journalists
– Coalition Govt has a healthy media freedom record
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, May 4, 2019
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, a veteran journalist and advocate for press freedom in Guyana and the world at large; has challenged journalists to stand up for the noble profession.
The Prime Minister was at the time addressing the gathering at a reception held on May 3, at the British High Commissioner’s residence in honour of World Press Freedom Day.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Nagamootoo urged media practitioners to exercise fair and balanced journalism.
He explained that in this profession possessing ethics is mandatory and journalists must not “distort or misrepresent information. You must be committed to the part of the narrative to tell the true story.”
He noted that the current administration has a healthy media freedom record. He also said the Coalition Government continues to assiduously work towards achieving the goal of advancing this freedom within a fully democratic state.
According to Prime Minister Nagamootoo, Guyana has always fought for media freedom and while today we can of boast how far we have come, there is still a lot more work that has to be done so all to alleviate all obstacles in our path.
He stressed that “we have a plural, free and open media in Guyana,” and for this, we should commend ourselves.
British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn explained that media freedom is at the forefront of the commission’s agenda. “The United Kingdom is committed to the freedom of media, people must be allowed to discussed freely and challenge their government,” the High Commissioner stressed. “Guyana you are all lucky that the media is free,” he commended.
Explaining further, High Commissioner of Canada H.E. Lilian Chatterjee, stated that the media plays a very important role in the present democracy and promoting media freedom is one of Canada’s objectives.
Vice President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Zoisa Fraser echoed similar sentiments. “The GPA salutes all journalists and thanked them for their contributions both past and present,” she explained, while highlighting that the GPA also recognises the editors, videographers, video editors, cameramen and women among others. They are all part of the delivery of news for public consumption, she stated.
Also delivering remarks at the reception, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mikkiko Tanaka explained that the mandate of the UN is to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and respect and protect all media practitioners.
“The United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and respect and protect all media practitioners. At this time of fake news and disinformation, we have a duty to defend the responsible media and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Tanaka stated.
Rebecca Ganesh.