Canada concerned about reports of harassment, intimidation of Guyanese journalists

May 13, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News- Canada has expressed concerns over reports of harassment and intimidation of journalists in Guyana.

The issue was raised last week, during the 49th session of the United Nation’s Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Switzerland held between April 28 and May 9.  Amélie Goudreau, Second Secretary at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, commented that “Canada remains concerned about reports of harassment and intimidation of journalists in Guyana, including through online targeting.”

Guyana was among 14 nations who had their human rights record reviewed at the OHCHR. Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues, led a delegation of Guyanese dignitaries, who addressed the forum on Guyana’s human rights efforts and progress.

Last month, a new report by CIVICUS Monitor, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists, warned about the deteriorating press freedom situation in Guyana and cited Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo’s weekly press conference that are geared at criticising dissenting voices and President Irfaan Ali’s penchant for hiding behind controlled media interactions and Facebook lives.

The report released on March 1, 2025, raised concerns over the administration’s approach to media engagement. CIVICUS conducted an interview with an anonymous Guyanese activist, shedding light on the challenges faced by local media outlets. The report emphasised that many media organisations avoid critical reporting to shield themselves from harassment.

The organisation further noted that Guyana’s position on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index has declined dramatically. The report noted that while physical attacks on journalists are rare, they face substantial cyberbullying and efforts to discredit their work. The organisation also pointed out that the government has downplayed the significance of the index’s decline by offering public relations positions to journalists and selectively distributing state advertisement funds to media houses and social media commentators aligned with its views.

“The administration’s approach to media engagement is particularly concerning,” CIVICUS stated. The organisation also highlighted the strained relationship between local reporters and the government, stating, “The president typically avoids open press interactions, preferring controlled interviews, while the vice president uses lengthy weekly broadcasts to criticise dissenting voices.”

CIVICUS further underscored the escalating threats journalists have faced, particularly since the Guyanese government targeted the Guyana Press Association (GPA) in 2022. “The situation took a concerning turn in 2022 when the government attempted to take over the Guyana Press Association, questioning its legitimacy and excluding it from official events,” CIVICUS stated. The organisation detailed one occurrence where an investigative reporter’s car was shot at, while a female journalist was forced to take leave after being the target of false personal allegations. “These tactics have created an environment of self-censorship, where journalists often avoid critical reporting to protect themselves from harassment,” CIVICUS stated.

The report also noted that civil society in Guyana is divided on the issue of press freedom. While some organisations continue to advocate for press freedom and free expression, others including the government minimise these concerns. “The government has ensured many people have access to resources, even though questionable means, and this has affected how they approach issues such as human rights and press freedom,” the organisation explained.

Despite this division, the anonymous activist, speaking through CIVICUS, emphasised the importance of international attention on the issue. “International attention has proven effective in pressuring the government to address these issues. Even when it doesn’t lead to immediate policy changes, global scrutiny can help deter further targeting of journalists and media organisations,” the activist stated.

“This international support becomes even more crucial as we navigate this sensitive period in Guyana-Venezuela relations, where transparent and accurate reporting is essential for public understanding of domestic and regional issues.”

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) continues to advocate for journalists’ safety and working conditions, but CIVICUS emphasized that additional support from international and regional partners remains crucial.

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