GECOM’s media monitoring unit is set for closure despite international funding.

    The media monitoring unit (MMU) within the Guyana elections commission ( GECOM) might not be in effect for the schedule 2011 general election in Guyana . A MMU spokesman said the unit has funding from the United Nations Development Funds (UNDP) until the next general election. Reports are the Guyana Government’s move for the closure came after there was a report to the Ethnic Relation Commission about alleged racist content in several sections of the media criticizing the head of state Bharrat Jagdeo and his Government. MMU public relations department indicated that 11 staff members including six monitors will be put on the bread-line and paid one month’s salary. Commission Chairman, Steve Surujbally and sections of the international community believe that the MMU is a vital mechanism for media-accountability. Government has also promised to table a long delayed broadcast legislation in the National Assembly before the end of the year, using best-practices from Canada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The local Court of Appeal has already ruled that the radio monopoly is unconstitutional. The MMU has in the past collaborated with media and external experts in the formulation of a self-regulatory Code of Conduct in keeping with international benchmarks. Using sophisticated equipment and methodologies, the MMU monitors the print and electronic media and provides media houses with those findings and recommendations. There is no legal-teeth but moral suasion that governs the unit’s work.