Always be guided by the tenets of good journalism

Oct 15, 2011 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
I refer to the article appearing in Kaieteur News dated October 1, 2011 at page 14 under the caption “GPSU executives openly support David Granger.”
In the said article a remark, to wit “our David Granger” allegedly made by Ms. Deborah Murphy, Acting General Secretary of the Union and to couple that which was read verbatim from a message of a fraternal union was taken to mean that the GPSU has endorsed the APNU in the next General and Regional Elections in Guyana.
At the outset, let me make it very clear that I am the President and CEO of GPSU and, therefore, on that occasion I was the only Union official with a mandate to make any statement or pronouncement on the position of the Union.
Further, I wish to remind you that the 19th Biennial Delegates’ Conference was held over three days, 28 to 30 September, 2011 and was attended by members of the GPSU who came from all parts of the country, and occupy a variety of posts in the public service. The Prime Minister was invited to declare the Conference open while Dr. Nanda Gopaul, Permanent Secretary, Office of the President, was also invited to address the Conference. Please note that as a display of balance we always extend invitations to the employers’ representative to participate.
During the Opening Ceremony, I gave a wide-ranging address on topical issues of interest to the Union and its membership as well as the society as a whole. I am, therefore, aghast that your newspaper not only sought to identify and highlight alleged remarks from the Acting General Secretary whose sole task was to read verbatim messages from Fraternal Organizations, but also proceeded to use it to conclude rather ingenuously that the GPSU had expressed public support for APNU.
The GPSU condemns this sensational and yellow journalism as it gave the impression of impartiality by the Union at a time when the Union has striven to maintain its objectivity in view of its Local Observer status conferred by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
Let me hasten to add that the GPSU, like any large organization, would have members who would be inclined to support one party or another. That is the individual’s choice and we do not in any way seek to influence or suppress it. We however, take serious offence at efforts intended to affect the Union’s interest, especially in this case where your newspaper article is being used as the basis for a call to revoke the accreditation of Local Observer that has been granted by GECOM to the GPSU.
We recognize the important role your newspaper plays in disseminating news and information to the Guyanese society, and expect that in performing that role you will always be guided by the tenets of good journalism – accuracy, justice, responsibility, and fair and ethical reporting.
Patrick M. Yarde
President/CEO
GPSU

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