The Guyana Elections Commission continues to disrespect the work of the Media through its lack of provision for the coverage of the March 02 General and Regional Elections.
With the current National Recount of all ballots cast in the elections being, perhaps, the most important activity and all of Guyana looking towards the Media for their update, Media workers are forced to conduct their duties under a shed without chairs.
GECOM pitched a tent on the Liliendaal Railway Embankment outside of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre where the Media is supposed to be accommodated. The tent had no chairs or tables to aid in the execution of Media workers’ duties. The Commission also failed to provide washroom access for the Journalists stationed outside of the ACCC.
Additionally, with the current precautionary measures against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the tent is not large enough to practice physical distancing.
Following concerns raised by Media workers on social media, proprietor of the Giftland Mall, Roy Beepat, offered his facilities to journalists.
In a post on Facebook, Beepat said: “Dear Media, please contact our security Mr Baksh or Sutherland, we will provide you washroom facilities and some basic hospitality items.”
The Giftland Mall is located in close proximity to the ACCC.
Considering the fact that political party supporters have been known to interfere in the work of the media covering election-related activities, concerns have understandably been raised.
GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward has since assured that she is working with the commission on securing ether accommodation. One option is the Aquatic Center however, it’s distance from where the actual recount is being conducted has been cited as something that would make the media’s job harder.
Another option that Ward has said can be available is the lawns inside the ACCC compound. However, she has indicated that these things must be approved.
Since the conclusion of the voting process in the March 02 elections, GECOM has been accused of disrespecting the Press. Prior to the hosting of the elections, the Guyana Press Association was assured by GECOM that provisions would be made for the Media via a Media Centre.
The Media Centre was set up in the Ashmin’s Building at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown but the Media was not allowed to access it after March 05.
Since then the Media have been forced to brave the elements, and even intimidation by political supporters, to bring updates to the Guyanese people.
GECOM has also failed to adequately provide the relevant information and journalists had to rely on reports from the partisan Commissioners of GECOM.
