At a State House brunch marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, President Irfaan Ali urged Guyanese media houses to exercise the highest responsibility and ethics as the country heads into a heated election season. Speaking to journalists and editors, the President stressed that in this “important and sensitive year,” fair and factual reporting is more critical than ever. He cautioned that reckless journalism or the spread of misinformation could inflame social tensions – a pointed reference to last week’s unrest that some false online narratives helped fuel.
Ali’s message comes with the campaign period for anticipated 2025 general elections on the horizon. “Misinformation [can] spark unrest,” he noted bluntly, alluding to how rumors around the recent death of a child (the Adrianna Younge case) contributed to public disorder. He appealed to the media fraternity to verify facts and report in context, rather than chasing sensationalism that might win clicks but divide communities. The President reminded journalists that freedom of the press is guaranteed by the Constitution – “the cornerstone of our democracy” – but with that freedom comes a duty to avoid deliberate distortions.
Notably, President Ali also extended the call to the general public to be careful consumers of news. In an era of social media virality, he said citizens should double-check information before sharing it, and avoid spreading unverified claims that could harm innocent people. “This is an important year. I expect you to report fairly, honestly, [and] openly on our elections,” Ali implored the assembled reporters. He emphasized that a free press must not be misused as a tool for political propaganda or ethnic division.
Guyana joined the global observance of Press Freedom Day under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The impact of AI on Press Freedom and Media.” President Ali noted that Guyana’s own digitisation process and the rise of AI make media literacy even more vita. He hinted that upcoming constitutional reforms will likely address digital media and AI, to ensure the legal framework keeps pace with technological changes.
Local media bodies welcomed the President’s remarks. The Guyana Press Association said it appreciated the administration’s recognition of press freedom and took the call for responsible reporting to heart. With political temperatures set to rise, all sides acknowledge that a free – but fair – press will play a pivotal role in maintaining Guyana’s democracy.
