propaganda press! state sponsored & negroe free

NCN panel discussion highlights recent media distortions
GUYANA CHRONICLE: HEAD of the Press and Publicity Unit at Office of the President, Dr. Prem Misir, led a panel discussion last Saturday night, highlighting recent distortions in the mass media.

Others with him on the National Communications Network (NCN) television programme were People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, Mr. Norman Whittaker and PPP member, Ms. Rosanna Campbell.

Misir referred to the Stabroek News editorial of February 24, which charged the PPP/C with spreading political propaganda in the aftermath of the Lusignan massacre.

According to him, the publication implied that PPP/C leaders had nothing pertinent to say on those killings and the Government has since labelled the killers criminals and domestic terrorists.

Whittaker said it was most disturbing to know that political parties with their own agendas utilise the opportunity to lambaste the Government.

He appealed to the Guyanese public to put aside any political differences and address the primary issue of finding the perpetrators of the crimes and letting them face justice.

Campbell lauded PPP General-Secretary, Mr. Donald Ramotar, who issued a strong statement which cautioned about the community response to the killings. She added that people should not allow their emotions to get out of control, as the security forces are engaged in an intensified campaign to find the perpetrators.

A letter from Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Mr. Raphael Trotman, published in the Stabroek News, as well, was also discussed by the panelists.

Trotman had posited that, if the two massacres (Bartica included) signal the onset of an insurgency, then “we have to tackle its root causes.”

“We should, however, remember that escapee Andrew Douglas had appeared on national television and declared himself a ‘freedom fighter’. It is important, therefore, to establish whether this group is an offshoot of the Douglas gang - even though the major players are now dead - and whether ‘Fine Man’ has also adopted Douglas’ ideology…”, the Trotman letter stated.

It aroused great concern in the panelists, who called on the AFC Leader to provide “substantial evidence” in order to allay the fears inculcated in people.

Another issue surrounded a Kaieteur News column of February 25, which lashed out at “PPP/C party paramountcy” and the “arrogance of power”. The columnist said State media employees are recruited via Office of the President and Freedom House (headquarters of the PPP).

The panel again demanded evidence from the “misguided columnist who is seemingly of the opinion that there is a recruitment desk at the Office of the President and Freedom House for employees of the State media.”

Capitol News, Evening News and CNS Channel Six were also criticised for allegedly not complying with the abiding laws.

The panel advocated a united stand in the fight against crime and cooperation with the Joint Services.

At a time of escalating crime in Guyana, the spreading of rumours contribute to fear among the Guyanese population, the speakers emphasised. (Sarada Singh)