APNU+AFC denies attacking, intimidating NCN cameramen

The opposition APNU+AFC yesterday denied a charge by state broadcaster NCN that two of its cameramen were attacked and intimidated by party MP, Nima FlueBess.

NCN said in statement that APNU+AFC was continuing with attacks on and intimidation of its staff.

“The latest incident was on Sunday November 6, 2022, at Arcadia Four Corner, Mocha, EBD, where APNU+ AFC held a public meeting. In the course of executing their duties to provide coverage of the meeting, two cameramen in the employ of NCN were attacked and intimidated led by APNU+ AFC Member of Parliament, Nima Flue-Bess.

“MP Flue-Bess demanded that the cameramen present their IDs. Upon stating their place of employment, the cameramen were told there was no need for them to record the event. This was in spite of other cameras that were in place to cover the said event”, the statement said.

NCN added: “Having stood their ground to execute their duties, MP FlueBess then called the Police officials present to have the cameramen removed. The Inspector and Sergeant on the scene engaged the cameramen and then threatened to seize their equipment if they recorded the event.

“It was only after the intervention of a Senior Officer that the cameramen were able to proceed with the execution of their duties”.

NCN accused APNU+AFC of a direct attempt to intimidate and prevent it from performing its duties at a public event. NCN said it has since lodged a formal complaint with the Guyana Police Force and has informed the Guyana Press Association (GPA).

Calling the NCN statement “malicious”, APNU+AFC yesterday said: “We categorically refute these assertions as completely defamatory, mischievous and intended to create conflict between the political parties, and the media and as a feeble attempt to justify NCN’s refusal to allow the opposition equal air time. “At no time were media operatives attacked by any APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, supporter or any person at the public meeting in Mocha, East Bank of Demerara on Sunday 6th November 2022”.

It said that on the day in question, FlueBess in the company of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Public Relations Officer, Shaneika Haynes, approached two unfamiliar men attempting to record the public meeting without a press pass or any form of identification and inquired whether they were members of the media and of which organization. APNU+AFC said that they were then cautioned against impersonating the media in the presence of the police and allowed to record the meeting without interference.

“Astonishingly the National Communications Network (NCN) now claims that the gentlemen are within their employ contrary to the said employees at the time stating that they were employed by another news agency.

“Despite all the untruthful and ill-intent claims listed, the fact remains despite the alleged NCN employees failing to comply with standard regulations for members of the media, they were allowed to document the meeting.

“Further, we call on the state-owned agency to follow all journalism and media coverage ethics and equip personnel with the necessary means of identification when covering assignments”, APNU+AFC said.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the free press and said it was unfortunate that the Guyana Press Association (GPA) issued a statement on the incident without first contacting it.

“We assure all Guyanese that the Coalition will continue to champion the cause of free speech and the right to information. Guyana’s democracy deserves no less”, APNU+AFC said.

In its statement, the GPA said that it condemns all acts of intimidation and attacks on media workers.

Recounting NCN’s version of the events, the GPA said that it condemned “this most reprehensible act of harassment and intimidation of media workers. We urge the Leader of the Opposition Mr Aubrey Norton to first and foremost set the tone of relations with the media by being forthcoming with proper and detailed answers rather than being abrasive and evasive when asked for details and supporting evidence”.

It reiterated that media workers are to be respected by all and called on politicians as well as other members of the public to respect the need for media workers to operate in an environment free of intimidation.

“As we approach another election cycle, the GPA expects that the media would be allowed to operate without intimidation, resentment and free from abuse, especially from those who hold political offices.

“Gone should be the era when a TV news camera is snatched and taken to Congress Place (PNCR headquarters), media workers are labeled vultures or identified in an unflattering manner by political figures at public meetings”, the GPA said.