Condemnation grows over grenade attack on Kaieteur News

Jun 09, 2016 News

---

Widespread condemnation from various sections of society has begun to occur following the attack on the

privately-owned Media House – Kaieteur News, just six days ago.

The media house has undoubtedly been on the forefront addressing issues and tackling corruption – among other things, head on.

Further, the attack has given birth to a new kind of terror which has struck Guyana. To attack a media house is like attacking the foundation of a nation since the media is rightfully – the voice of the people.

The Prime Minister of the State, Moses Nagamootoo, has labeled the incident as an attack on freedom of the media in Guyana.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and the Government
Nagamootoo, the First Vice President, stated that acts of domestic terrorism must be condemned. They shall not be tolerated by anyone.
The Prime Minister told reporters yesterday morning that, “The attack on Kaieteur News is an attack on freedom of the media in Guyana.”
He said that the government views the incident as, ‘very serious.’
The Prime Minister also noted the work being done by the police in apprehending those believed responsible. “I believe that this act is more intimidatory than any other thing” he said.
Nagamootoo, who holds the responsibility for the information sector, disclosed that the matter was discussed at both the level of Cabinet and at the National Security Meeting.
“At both levels we share the same view, that this act should be condemned by all and shall not be tolerated and that the person or persons who could be charged and prosecuted for this offence of terrorism, if convicted, they should face the full penalty of the law,” Nagamootoo said.
Earlier this week, the government had issued a statement on the incident immediately following media reports.
The Coalition Government stated that it stands resolutely in defence of press freedom in Guyana and condemns – in the strongest possible manner, “This heinous and dastardly act of cowardice against Kaieteur News.
“The government stands in solidarity with Kaieteur News and the entire media fraternity that has been shaken by this attempted attack. This attack must strengthen our resolve as a nation that evil, in all its forms and incarnations, must not be allowed to prevail and must be relentlessly and uncompromisingly conquered.”

Former President, Donald Ramotar

Former President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, yesterday expressed outrage. He described the incident as unfortunate. He is hopeful that the authorities will soon unmask those involved.
Ramotar said that the Main Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) when it was in power, never endorsed actions that in any way compromised the freedom of the press.
He added that the media is deemed sacred. The party does not and will not tolerate this type of action that was perpetrated on the Kaieteur News, he said.

Social Activist, Freddie Kissoon
Newspaper Columnist and Social Activist, Freddie Kissoon, stated last evening that the attack has opened a “new dimension” of terror.
“You have to contextualize the attack. The attack occurred 13 months after a new government is in place and the police have regained their independence. It means that the terrorist will not be deterred; there should have been some deterrence,” Kissoon stated.
Kissoon continued, “Before May, 2015, there was a “labyrinth-kind” connection with “drugs people”, dubious characters…These men were willing to make brazen acts of violence because they were untouchables, it meant therefore, that prior to May 2015, though such terror was unacceptable, it didn’t come as a surprise because the state had an overlapping relation with these culprits.

“Now the state doesn’t, the state will pursue them yet these men – in what can be called incredible boldness, attempted to kill people of the Kaieteur News.”
Kissoon said that not only the “people” of Kaieteur News should be grateful that the grenade did not explode, but the entire country should also be grateful since the Kaieteur News plays a pivotal role in keeping the nation informed.

Guyana Press Association
Three days ago, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) issued a statement condemning the act as they regarded it as a brazen attack on press freedom.
The GPA also said that the act was well “calculated.”
The Association also called on the Guyana Police Force to execute “an in-depth investigation” and continued that regardless of the motive, the act alone has a chilling effect on press freedom.
Further, the Association called on the intellectual authors and perpetrators to “desist from such a dastardly act.”
The GPA affirmed that the media in Guyana must be allowed to carry out its crucial work of being society’s watchdog, ensuring transparency and efficacy in state and the private sector, without frightening distractions like these.

UK High Commission
United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, also joined with the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to condemn the act.
It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
Quinn’s statement against the attack on Kaieteur News is a stark reminder of Franklin’s mantra. The High Commissioner urged that all stand united against any form of attack against press freedom.
He said, “Freedom of the press is sacrosanct. There is no room in a modern Guyana for attacks such as that on KN over the weekend.”
Quinn said that it is of utmost importance that “all condemn this and all other attacks on those whose jobs it is to act as the spotlight of society.”
Minister with responsibility of Citizenship, Winston Felix, stated last evening that it was unfortunate that such an act was perpetrated against the newspaper. The former Commissioner of Police stated that police should investigate to the fullest to “unmask the identities of those associated with it”.

Private Sector Commission
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) also issued a statement just recently. The Commission stated that they

strongly condemn the attack.
“If this is a heinous attempt to muzzle the media, such actions have no place in our democratic society and we urge the Guyana Police Force to expedite their investigations so as to bring the perpetrators to justice in the shortest possible time.
“The Private Sector Commission stands with Kaieteur News and the rest of the media fraternity on this issue and wish to assure you that all our thoughts are with you.” The Commission stated.
Previous reports indicated that on the night of June 4, a grenade was thrown at Lall’s vehicle, which was parked in close proximity of the media house on Saffon Street, Charlestown.
Kaieteur News was at the time observing a wake for their deceased comrade, Dale “Crime Chief” Andrews when a sound of impact was heard. Upon investigating, security personnel discovered the device near the front right wheel of the publisher’s vehicle.
The type of grenade was classified as a live fragmentation grenade. Experts are saying that it can only be “a miracle that the device did not explode.”
Six persons have so far been taken into police custody in relation to this attack. Kaieteur News has been targeted before. It has been firebombed, five pressmen were gunned down and a serving Minister of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had threatened the lives of staffers.

---

---