Press freedom flourishes in Guyana - PPP
Stabroek News
May 4, 2007
The People's Progressive Party (PPP) says Guyana is now one of the countries where press freedom flourishes and is arguably, the freest in this hemisphere.
In a press release, the Party, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day yesterday, said it "has always held the right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. We also believe it is one of the pillars of a democratic society."
The PPP recalled that the right to press freedom was "fought for long and hard. Not so long ago the independent media was brutally suppressed in Guyana." It said media workers from The Mirror and Catholic Standard bore the brunt of the attacks and a few journalists from the state media, including Wordsworth McAndrew were also harassed and forced into exile.
It added "as we celebrate World Press Freedom Day the PPP notes the growing concerns, even among media workers themselves, about sections of the media which continue to incite, spread division and project a negative image of Guyana".
The party urged the media to work for the advancement of their profession by supporting national efforts aimed at positively impacting the country's development while reserving the right to be critical.