Someone under the signature of “Concerned Journalist” has complained that Svetlana Marshall, a media operative, was disrespected by President Ali. In fact, what happened was the exact opposite. In answering a question from Ms Marshall, the president was clear that statements by two US House of Representative members concerning Azruddin Mohamed are not related to Continental Strategy, a firm contracted to help defend Guyana’s national interest. Yet, Ms Marshall stubbornly and arrogantly persisted. Journalists have a right to ask questions, but they also have a professional duty not to harass the interviewee under the cover of press freedom. Ms Marshall disrespected President Ali, something the novice concerned journalist is too inexperienced to see.
The ‘Concerned Journalist’ also has the temerity to say that “journalists [are] being verbally attacked” at the press conferences of Vice President and General Secretary of the PPP. The truth is exactly the opposite. VP/GS Jagdeo actually takes all (yes, all) of the questions from the journalists, sometimes with a bit of jocular bantering. The only questions not answered are those that have been repeatedly asked and answered in previous pressers.
Guyana has one of the most open media environments in the world. The PPP needs no lecture on press freedom, because it is indeed the PPP that restored this most cherished aspect of liberal democracy. The ‘Concerned Journalist’ has it wrong.