The Alliance for Change (AFC) has warned that the PPP/C government should not allow itself to slip into a state of power-induced intoxication brought on by its recent electoral success, and begin to behave in a manner that brings it into direct confrontation with the people.
In a press release issued yesterday on the withdrawal of advertising to the Stabroek News, the AFC said the decision was a frontal and indecent attack on the freedom of speech and choice in Guyana.
It said it has long been established that the presence in society of independent analytical voices primarily expressed through the media is one of the cardinal signposts signalling the presence of a democracy. "Whilst not agreeing with everything written and said by every media house, the AFC will defend to the end, their right to state views and opinions as they see fit," the AFC said.
The party said that it matters not whether the Stabroek News is a friend or foe of the government as it is not meant to function in that manner. "One gets the distinct impression that this latest attack on press freedom is a reprisal for the justified criticism Stabroek News has levelled at the government in recent times. We condemn this petty, partisan and pointless behaviour and say that the people of Guyana expect better. We remind His Excellency the President of his own words delivered at the opening of the 9th Parliament when he spoke of fostering a new political culture in which civil society was integral, and ask if they meant anything then and still do today."
The AFC said no government should be allowed to fiddle with the manner of spending of state resources by deciding who gets it and who doesn't. "To behave in such a manner is to behave dictatorially and such action must be condemned in the strongest possible termsā€¦
"We believe that this latest action is a violation of the Constitution of Guyana and the United Nations and Organisation of American States' Charters that guarantee press freedoms, and are actionable." The AFC joined the call for a reversal of the decision and a return to sensible and responsible governance on part of the PPP/C.