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The Institute For Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) met with representatives from the Organisation of American States’ (OAS) Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression to share the violating of freedom of speech in Guyana under the People’s Progressive Party Government. The meeting was held Monday, December 4, 2023.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to encourage the hemispheric defense of the right to freedom of thought and expression, considering its fundamental role in the consolidation and development of the democratic system.
IFAAD’s delegation comprised Roysdale Forde S.C, MP, former Mayor Pt Ubraj Narine, and Councillor Lelon Saul. Owner of 107.1 FM Radio and host of the ‘Straight Up’ programme, Mark Benschop was also present at the meeting. In a release, IFAAD said the delegation primarily focused on addressing concerns related to the lack of freedom of speech and restricted access to state media houses under the government.
Accordingly, various attendees expressed deep concerns over the lack of freedom of speech that existed under the Government and noted citizens are impeded from expressing their opinions, and the suppression of dissenting voices, “thereby stifling democratic processes and violating fundamental human rights.”
The delegation highlighted the urgent need for reform to guarantee the right to free speech without fear of reprisal or discrimination. Another issue discussed was government’s alleged exploitation of privately-owned media networks owned by friends and family to promote state advertisements. This practice, IFAAD said it told the IACHR, has created an uneven playing field, as state-funded advertisements were disseminated exclusively through media outlets aligned with the PPP. Such actions undermined transparency, fairness, and the principles of a level playing field for all media entities, the delegation noted
Senior Counsel and Member of Parliament and legal counsel of IFAAD, Roysdale Forde in his presentation underscored the importance of an impartial and unbiased media landscape, noting that it is crucial for a thriving democracy.
“Our democracy relies on the ability of citizens to freely express their views and access unbiased information and where he also emphasized on the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Cap. 1:01
Article 146. (1) Except with his or her own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference and freedom from interference with his or her correspondence.
Sharing a personal experience, Forde told the OAS he “formally approached the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Snr., seeking Information on public matters and to date there is no responses.We urge the relevant authorities to address these concerns promptly and consider implementing measures that promote an independent and inclusive media environment,”
During the meeting, Vice Chairman of IFAAD Pt. Ubraj Narine expressed his concern over the government’s unwillingness to provide equal access to state media houses for all political parties, leading to a lack of transparency in public information dissemination. He also highlighted the PPP government’s tendency to favour privately owned media houses owned by close friends and family members for advertising state ads, causing undue advantage and influence.
Councillor Lelon Saul, who is also IFAAD’ General Secretary, made mention of local government bodies, especially those not governed by PPP, are not afforded the equal opportunity to disseminate information through the state media. For example, in the municipality of Georgetown, a local government area led by the opposition, A Partnership For National Unity, PPP Councillors on the council are given access to state media and other media outlets that are associated with the ruling regime.
The inability of Local Government Authorities to effectively communicate with their constituents via the mass media owing to the central government. Moreover, the attempt by the central government to restrict the flow of information and freedom of expression is undemocratic.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression for their willingness to engage in an open dialogue and examine the challenges faced by the citizens of Guyana. They also expressed optimism and looked forward to collaborative efforts with the OAS and civil society organisations to advocate for the protection and promotion of freedom of expression in Guyana.
