Georgetown: The Ethnic Relations Commission has deliberated on reports made by Office of the President against reports appearing in the press, namely Kaietuer News and Stabroek News. The accusations are that the authors have been promoting racial insecurity, advocating race-based politics and making vile allegations of racist behavior against members of the Government. The Commission finds that media house have an important role to play in society, and that this obligation includes the carriage of news and opinions that are truthful and not calculated to mislead the public. The Commission notes that in a free democracy where press freedom is paramount, the views and opinions of all persons must be respected and that the media operatives should guard against undue censorship. At the same time this must be balanced with sound editorial oversight, sensitivity, prudence and judgment when going to press.
The Commission finds that while statements of ‘King Kong’ and ‘goons’ may be passing references that may not warrant serious attention, the Commission however finds that sound editorial judgment, scrutiny and consideration should have been exercised where there are extremist references to ‘fascism’ and ‘Hitler’ and on which there is no basis. Further the Commission is of the view that while arguably, these may be gross exaggerations, calculated perhaps to shock, it can however be misleading and dangerous. Further that statements like an ‘Indian oligarchy bent on pulverizing the African race’ ‘the dehumanization of an entire race in Guyana’ and ‘Young Africans in Guyana are told in every way …you are inferior. Only someone from a different race can govern you. You are not smart enough. You are not human enough. You are not worthy enough’ are statements that are unacceptable from the point of view of the Ethnic Relations Commission. These in the Commission’s considered review, are views that may be calculated and capable of exciting ill will against a particular ethnic grouping. It also may be in breach of the provision of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2001, Act No. 1 of 2001. This the National Media and Publishing Company Ltd should guard zealously against and not allow itself to fall prey to persons who perhaps may have a more serious and ominous agenda.
In it's report of the findings the Commission recommended that media houses retreat, perhaps under the auspices of the Guyana Press Association or other body, so as to determine the modus operandai of the media houses in the context of articles such as the subject of this review. It is imperative that the media, both press and electronic especially as we approach our general elections settle on the way forward in these matters with a view to determining a code or reviewing of same, and which may guide media practitioners in this regard. The Commission would welcome such an initiative and indeed if required/requested will be happy to be part of such a process.
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