PNCR retracts Granger statement on media

Four days after the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) issued a press statement in which President David Granger referred to daily challenges the coalition government was facing from sections of the media, the party yesterday retracted it saying that that particular comment had been misconstrued.

“After examining the transcripts of Party Leader David Granger’s address to General Council on Saturday May 19, 2018, it was found that remarks attributed to him were taken out of context. The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is, therefore, retracting our Press Release dated May 20, 2018, “PNCR General Council Meeting”, the party said.

The original press release on Sunday made brief mention of the issue. It stated “Mr. Granger also spoke of the many achievements of the Government. He also highlighted the daily challenges faced by the Coalition from some sections of the media”. The PNCR did not name the media houses nor were the challenges identified.

The statement was issued on the day Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger travelled to Trinidad for a scheduled annual checkup; they are to return today.

Stabroek News subsequently made efforts to get clarity from Congress Place as well as senior members of the party on the statement about the media but was unsuccessful.

Observers had expressed concern at the vagueness of the statement and questioned whether the Head of State’s comment might go against freedom of the press and access to information principles.

Yesterday’s release from the PNCR stressed on the president’s acceptance of such principles as well as the party’s vow to not interfere in the work of the media.

“President Granger has long been and will continue to be a strong advocate and defender of the freedom of information that is guaranteed under Article 146 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana”, it said.

The statement added that PNCR leaders and members “strongly believe that free access to information is an inalienable right of every citizen. It is an indispensable condition of democratic society. Citizens’ access to information is a democratic right and information is necessary for citizens’ informed participation in society. Restrictions in the flow of information deny citizens the opportunity to participate fully in decision-making and, thereby impair democracy”.

The release further said that the PNCR is committed also to non-interference in the independent media. “Independent media act as watchdogs of the Government. They promote transparency by ensuring that information is provided to the public on the work of the Government. They are a source of valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the efforts of the Government. There is no good reason for the State to interfere in the work of the private-media. The relationship between the State and the privatemedia must be seen as a partnership in providing a public good, that is, public information for the citizens of this country”.

It stated that the independence of thought must be preserved, professionalism must be promoted and the Constitution of Guyana must be upheld.