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Applauding APNU’s Parliamentary Motion to restore the Media’s photo/video access to Guyana’s National Assembly
Dear Editor,
I write to express my strong support for the motion tabled by APNU to remove the House Speaker’s restrictions on media access to Parliament. This move is not only timely but essential for safeguarding democratic principles in Guyana.
Parliament is the people’s institution, funded entirely by the public purse. As such, Guyanese citizens have an inherent right to witness and scrutinise the proceedings of their National Assembly. Restricting media access to a select few undermines transparency, limits public awareness, and erodes the foundations of accountable governance.
Editor, free speech and a free press are cornerstones of any vibrant democracy. By limiting which media houses can cover parliamentary sessions, the current restrictions effectively silence diverse voices and deny the public the right to choose how they receive information. In a nation with a plurality of perspectives and media outlets, such constraints are not only regressive but also antithetical to the spirit of democratic engagement.
The motion to restore full media access is a crucial step toward reinforcing transparency and public trust. It ensures that all Guyanese, regardless of their preferred media source, can stay informed about the debates and decisions that shape their nation’s future.
Editor, I commend APNU MP’s Sherod Duncan and Saiku Andrews for tabling this motion. A simple majority of the 65 seat National Assembly is needed for this motion to pass. The combined opposition holds 29 seats and would need assistance from the 36 seats majority held by the prevailing government side.
Question is: Will members on the government side exercise magnanimity and possess the intestinal fortitude to vote for this motion to pass? Who will have the elan, the moxie or the chutzpah to ensure that democracy remains congruent?
Editor, this is a litmus test of either the continued muzzling of members of the Fourth Estate or allowing democracy and free speech to flourish. Universally, the Fourth Estate, THE PRESS, is considered as the 4th arm of the government of the day after Legislative, Executive & Judicial- to ensure accountability, transparency and an informed citizenry. The members of the Fourth Estate serve a critical role in a democracy by investigating, reporting and scrutinising action and commitment of power holders and power brokers, in an effort to stymie corruption and also to promote public discourse.
Editor, in Guyana, this is a pivotal avowal for all members of the National Assembly to support this motion in the interest of democracy, accountability, and the fundamental rights of the people of Guyana who pays the salary and perks of all in our National Assembly. For championing this vital democratic issue this bill should receive bi-partisan support as taxpayers and the public are duly hostaged should the motion fail to receive the required votes from the current government members in the National Assembly.
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Subrian Esq.
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