Small media cabal bitter over PPP/C’s successive victories

Dear Editor,
I read with interest the letter published on September 18 under the headline “Issues raised by Reporters Without Borders are valid and cumulatively constitute a threat to the press’s ability to hold power accountable without fear”.
While the concerns expressed try to cast Guyana’s Government in a negative light, they do not reflect the reality that under the PPP/C, press freedom has been stronger, more open, and more secure than at any other point in our history.
The PPP/C has always been the most progressive Government when it comes to protecting the right of the press. President Irfaan Ali and his Ministers remain the most approachable leadership team this country has known. They host weekly engagements, attend community forums, and respond to questions from a wide range of media houses. Unlike in previous years, no journalist is barred from asking tough questions, and no media house is stopped from carrying stories that criticise the Administration.
It is clear that the loudest complaints are coming from a small, self-interested group that remains bitter about the PPP/C’s successive electoral victories.
After running campaigns built on lies and deception and failing to convince the Guyanese people, they are now attempting to use the banner of press freedom as a tool to keep themselves relevant as an opposition voice.
In doing so, they deliberately ignore the progress that has been made in ensuring openness and access.
True press freedom is not freedom from accountability. It must also come with responsibility and honesty.

Yours sincerely,
Alvin Hamilton