APNU will use every tool to address media access to Parliament - MP Duncan

APNU will use every tool to address media access to Parliament – MP Duncan

Mar 07, 2026 News

…to resubmit Motion, write int’l bodies

(Kaieteur News) – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) does not plan to back down on the new regulations imposed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir in relation to media coverage of Parliamentary proceedings.

Last month during Budget Debates, Nadir prevented full media access to the Dome of the Arthur Chung Convention Center where the 13^th Parliament convened reverting to COVID-19 restrictions that were imposed. He announced that only five journalists will be allowed to sit in the Assembly, while cameramen will not be allowed to record footage.

APNU will use every tool to address media access to Parliament - MP Duncan

APNU MP, Sherod Duncan

Journalists were asked to lodge a form of National Identification (ID) before being granted a media badge to enter the Dome. Upon return of this badge, they were able to collect their ID. This method was objected to by the Guyana Press Association (GPA) as well as members of the opposition.

In light of this development, APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Sherod Duncan submitted a Motion calling for the restoration of full, transparent, and non-discriminatory media access to parliamentary proceedings which was disallowed by the Speaker on the grounds of “inaccuracies and biases”.

On Friday, Duncan told reporters during a media conference that he plans to resubmit a similar Motion to the National Assembly but this will not be the only course of action. In response to a question from this newspaper, he explained, “We are a political party and all of the tools in our tool chest will be used. Our local Parliament is part of several parliaments internationally and the Whip will be writing to those Parliaments about the descent of our Parliament into autocracy and not broadening the democratic process.”

Duncan argued that the issue of media access to the National Assembly holds tremendous importance to all Guyanese. He said it is completely unheard of where the media is locked out of Parliament.

Further, he pointed out that Committees in the National Assembly are not meeting; another reason he believes the government is hesitant of full media presence in Parliament.

“These are the issues they don’t want reported on and so much else is happening or not happening in the National Assembly. If the government claims they have this robust Parliamentary agenda, why wouldn’t they want the most extensive media coverage that there is for this agenda,” the MP reasoned.

He pointed out that while the Motion was cast aside due to “inaccuracies and biases”, the Speaker failed to highlight those areas, as is customary to allow the necessary amendments or corrections. Duncan is adamant that the true intent of rubbishing the Motion is clearly to avoid scrutiny of government activities and oversight in Parliament. “He is playing politics in this regard,” Duncan argued.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) highlighted its deep concern over the restrictions imposed on media coverage of the Budget Debates.

The Association pointed out that this represents a significant reduction from previous years, when up to 17 reporters were accommodated within Parliament Buildings to cover sessions. As such, it said, “It is difficult to comprehend why, in a larger space, fewer reporters are now permitted.”

It reminded that the role of the press is to ensure transparency, accountability, and accurate reporting of parliamentary business. As such, the GPA stated, “Restricting access and failing to provide proper technical facilities undermines the public’s right to be informed. We strongly condemn this edict from the Speaker and view it as a direct attack on freedom of the press, a hallmark of any democratic society.”

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APNU, media access, Parliament, Sherod Duncan

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