No gov’t should try to disadvantage any media house

Dear Editor,

In an article, `DPI cuts state ads in the Stabroek News,’ published in the Sunday Stabroek September 29th, 2019 edition, it would appear that the Government of Guyana, through the Department of Public Information (DPI) has stopped supporting the Stabroek News in the form of advertisements, because of critiques by said newspaper.

In my humble opinion, no Government should try to disadvantage a media house or a newspaper. Our Freedom of Expression should be respectfully upheld without any fear of repercussions. This right should not be restricted because a person, organization or in this case, Government, is offended by another’s message. The media is usually the voice of the people; the media also gives a balance to society even if it is critical of the government. And so I find it totally reprehensible and a despicable act to be withdrawing advertising from said newspaper, or any other newspaper which might disagree with the Government of the day. Furthermore, if it is once again the Director of the DPI, Mr. Imran Khan, he is known to make outlandish statements at times; which sometimes puts the Government in embarrassment, like it did when the Government of India was sponsoring some Guyanese and giving some Indo Guyanese some support. The Guyana Government itself had to come down on Mr. Khan and critique him.

If I may respectfully remind those who need reminding, the media advances public interest by informing the public of the events and developments that have taken place, and thereby educating the people a role considered significant for the functioning and progress of a democracy. Therefore, in any setup, more so in a democratic setup like ours, broadcasting of news and views for popular consumption is a MUST! Any attempts to deny the same must be frowned upon. I don’t know whether this information is coming from Mr. Imran Khan personally or if it is coming from the Ministry of the Presidency. Wherever it is coming from, it is a totally unacceptable decision and it is a slap in the face of democracy which the government of the day claims they are upholding. Yours faithfully,

Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr. Chairman/Founder

RK’s Guyana Security Services