GPA blasts APNU/AFC for condoning disrespect at press conference

Moments after attending a press conference hosted by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government on Friday, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) called out the administration for condoning disrespect meted out to members of the media.
At that press conference, hosted at Congress Place, Sophia, a number of supporters of the APNU/AFC Administration were seated, and heckled reporters as the GPA asked questions of members of the head table. This behaviour was condoned by the Government Parliamentarians, who allowed their supporters to continue heckling.
Media workers were boldly asked by the supporters there: “What stupid questions are you asking?” and in some cases were even asked if those were questions. All the while, the Government officials sat quietly without addressing the disrespect.
However, the GPA did not mince words with the Government when it issued a

statement shortly after the press briefing, reminding the Government that media workers have the right to conduct their duties without fear of intimidation. The GPA noted that it would not hesitate to call on media workers and media houses to boycott press events if this “unacceptable behaviour continues.”
“We can only assume that this behaviour is a feature endorsed by the party and its leaders, since it happened during today’s (Friday) event with PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence and senior APNU members and the party’s last press conference held by PNC Leader, President David Granger,” the GPA stated. Among the senior Government officials present at the press briefing were Acting President Moses Nagamootoo; Acting Prime Minister Carl Greenidge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.