Latest update March 23rd, 2025 9:41 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Regional govts move to regulate professionals

Oct 27, 2009 News

…journalists decry move as means to muzzle press

 

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) yesterday stated that it views with alarm, the draft Professional Services Bill being pushed by the CARICOM Secretariat for introduction within the CARICOM states.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate and licence several professions across the region, including that of journalism.
While the draft legislation is being circulated, it does not include a final list of professionals, Deputy Programme Manager for Services at the CARICOM Secretariat, Timothy Odle, recently announced at a workshop on the Caricom Single Market and Economy that the registering and licencing of journalists would commence within three years.
As set out in the draft Bill, the Government will appoint a Council for each profession. The councils would be tasked with the licencing and regulation of the said professions. Additionally, the Councils will fall under the ambit of the subject ministers who will have the power to direct them as they see fit “in the public interest because of exceptional circumstances.”
The GPA noted that it “finds this a most tenuous position at the least, and nothing more than another attempt by the authorities to muzzle the media across the region. We believe it is a retrograde step towards the tumultuous politics of Latin America instead of progression in our fledgling democracies.”
According to the press association, “This is particularly so because, unlike other professions, Journalism is inextricably linked to the constitutionally enshrined right of Freedom of Expression and in some jurisdictions, Freedom of the Media. Simply put, other professions by virtue of qualifications and experience are privileges enjoyed while journalists exercise the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”
In is in that context, the GPA categorically stated that it will oppose every effort to bring the media under government control as enshrined in the draft bill.
If approved, it will empower governments to decide which journalists ought to be granted the right to practise, and punish those who seek to expose the truth or are critical of government policies, the press association said.
Further, the Association echoed the sentiments of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers in stating that there will be no negotiation on this matter and is urging the Secretariat to have the media struck of the list of professions to be licensed in the Bill.
It stated that the Association recognises the need for greater regulation in the local media sphere and staunchly believes that self regulation is the way to go, pointing out that efforts are already underway in that regard and it is the intention of the new executive of the GPA to see it through in order to bring to the Guyanese public a media corps better equipped to defend their interests and fulfil our mandate as the people’s guardian of democracy.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Reliance Hustlers delighted for Youth Programme support from First Lady

Reliance Hustlers delighted for Youth Programme support from First...

Mar 23, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- President of Reliance Hustlers Sports Club Trevis Simon has expressed delight for the support of the Youth Programme from First Lady Arya Ali under her National Beautification...
Read More
Relentless Chase demoralize West Dem’ to remain unbeaten

Relentless Chase demoralize West Dem’ to remain...

Mar 23, 2025

AAG makes history with US$300K Adidas sponsorship deal

AAG makes history with US$300K Adidas sponsorship...

Mar 23, 2025

Historic NSC sponsored GGA 2nd Annual National Long Drive Championships set for March 29

Historic NSC sponsored GGA 2nd Annual National...

Mar 23, 2025

St. Lucia’s Elite Blazers takes aim at FIBA 3×3 World Tour in Edmonton

St. Lucia’s Elite Blazers takes aim at FIBA...

Mar 22, 2025

Petra/Milo U18 Football kicks off Round II action today

Petra/Milo U18 Football kicks off Round II action...

Mar 22, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]