Moseley ban -Journalists walk out of Parliament

Wearing red armbands to signify their opposition to the banning of Capitol News reporter Gordon Moseley from the Office of the President and State House, journalists walked out of Parliament yesterday just as Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh rose to address the House.

The Guyana Press Associa-tion (GPA) action is the second such and follows a similar walkout from a Ministry of Home Affairs press conference on Wednesday. The action was well supported by media workers from private media houses.

Members of the media leaving Parliament Buildings following a walkout from the Parliamentary chambers yesterday in protest at the banning of journalist Gordon Moseley from State House and the Office of the President.

President of the association, Denis Chabrol, and several of its executive members, including Moseley who is the vice-president as well as other media workers left the press tables as Dr Singh was about to move the first reading of a bill.

Asked about the issue as he made his way to the parliamentary chambers, former minister of information and PPP parliamentarian, Moses Nagamootoo reiterated his opposition to the ban on Moseley. “I don’t agree with it, I don’t think that being disrespectful is a violation of any law. I believe strongly in the rights of journalists to earn their living, being able to practise their profession, it’s part of the freedom of the press,” he declared.

He asserted that the ban on Moseley was an “administrative glitch” and it has to be corrected. He argued that if a journalist violated the law then the journalist should be penalized under the law. “I believe that sanctions of this sort is not an answer to issues of fairness and balance in the media or relationship between the state and the journalist,” he stated.

He expressed the belief that journalists ought to be treated fairly, adding that many people were not appreciative of the fact that they do difficult work under difficult circumstances. “They [journalists] need solidarity, not repudiation and not condemnation,” he declared adding that if journalists erred in law, if they committed slander, libel, sedition or otherwise then they should be punished under the law. He said administrative methods should be left to the journalists themselves and if the ethics of the profession are that one should behave with decorum, afford recognition of authority and give respect where it is due, this was something journalists would have to regulate themselves. Pointing to his years in journalism, and his role in several media organizations, he said he was saddened by the action. “I empathise with the victim of this transgression against the work of journalists,” he said.

Meantime, Chabrol said that what has happened to Moseley was symbolic of what can happen to journalists at anytime within the profession. He urged the journalists to remain united and expressed hope that the matter would be resolved. Noting that it was broader than the Moseley ban, the Press Association head declared that any discourse with the authorities must be about improving the relations between the state and the media.

The association has received the commitments of most of the private media houses including Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, the Guyana Times, Capitol News, Evening News, CNS TV6, GWTV News 2, HBTV Channel 9, and Prime News in its protest against the ban. The GPA has since said that it would “engage in a range of activities designed to send a very strong and clear signal to the administration that we shall not allow our rights to be trampled upon.”

Meanwhile, the main opposition party, PNCR, has also strongly condemned the ban pointing out that coming on the heels of the 17-month withdrawal of state advertisements from Stabroek News and the suspension of Channel 6’s licence, it should be concluded that “the strategic aim of the PPP, to dominate and control the media is alive and well.”

The party noted that Moseley has long been a target of President Bharrat Jagdeo’s ire, recalling an incident before the hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup where the journalist had asked a question which caused the President “…to explode. This along with his reporting of the [Guyanese drug accused in the US) Roger Khan saga, has not endeared him” to the Office of the President.

The party said at its weekly press briefing that the fact that other members of Capitol News were allowed to enter OP and State House to cover events meant that the Jagdeo administration is trying to determine, the editorial policy of Capitol News, by deciding which reporters can attend events at the Office of the President and State House.

The party said such a move should be “vigorously opposed by the media” adding that the ban can only “further undermine any semblance to a culture of democracy in Guyana.”

It said the local media corps has an obligation to itself and the nation to defend the right to freedom of the press, which includes the “right to question any politician, however powerful he or she might believe himself or herself to be and to publish such information.”
Moseley was first told he was banned by a security guard at OP when he turned up for an assignment last Monday. He later received a letter signed by Head of the Government Information Agency (GINA) Neaz Subhan stating that the administration of GINA had withdrawn his accreditation to OP and State House with immediate effect. The letter said that though other employees of Capitol News would not be similarly prohibited, GINA would be “inclined to review the decision providing that you issue an apology in relation to the disparaging and disrespectful remarks couched in your letter to the press.”

Moseley has since refused to apologise saying that he would not allow anyone to “waste his time.” He has also questioned what accreditation GINA was withdrawing since no accreditation had ever been given to him or any media worker for OP and State House. The only accreditation GINA has issued to the media is a press pass that gives journalists permission to go past police cordons.

Meanwhile, last evening, GINA reiterated its position on the matter and accused the press association of a “campaign of misinformation”. GINA said Moseley was not censured for any media report critical of the Government but made disparaging and disrespectful remarks in a letter to the Stabroek News of July 9, 2008. “He, therefore, cannot now claim journalistic privilege”. GINA further said that because of these remarks the “Administration of the Office of the President determined that Mr. Gordon Moseley of Capitol News is persona non grata at the Office of the President and State House.”

GINA further said that the “GPA should know that access to the Office of the President and any of its annexes is a privilege granted to journalists and not a right. In view of this, journalists ought to conduct themselves in a manner deserving of such dispensation.”

It added that GINA is inclined to review the decision if Moseley withdraws his disparaging statements to the Head of State in the letter published in Stabroek News of July 9, 2008. It urged the international media not to be “sucked into anti-government propaganda of Denis Chabrol of GPA.”

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47 Responses to “Moseley ban -Journalists walk out of Parliament”

  1. BADLALL CANADA

    on July 18th, 2008 7:09 am

    Mr Moseley will hopefully have a front seat at the trial of Roger Khan what will the Guyana govt do about that,???

    [Reply to this]

  2. kabaka CANADA

    on July 18th, 2008 7:48 am

    The media should adhere to the laws of the land and give respect accordingly.
    Members of the government should be respected for the roles they play in advancing programs and policies .Did any established media house or journalist ic organisation publicly protest the “domination and control of the media” when the PNC was in power.You were lucky if you got news print or air time to express your views.If you did you are probably reading this from the other side.SHOW RESPECT !CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY YOU ARE NOT DEALING WITH FAT BOY!

    [Reply to this]

    Alicia UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 9:04 am:

    Here we go again…another person who is not even living in Guyana and can only remember what the PNC has done in the past. Well I have news for you. Burnham is dead, the PNC is not in power and in fact hold no real political power even today.

    Instead my friend, the PPP is in power and professes the ideals of a democracy. You also seem to not be aware of all the facts or maybe i am not. If i am not please enlighten me. What laws did Gordon Moselel or the current press corp break? Also please expressly state what was disrespectful. I look forward to hearing from you.

    [Reply to this]

    SUPERERRO UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 9:08 am:

    Well you know what, kabaka, he is not dealing with fat boy! He is dealing with the administration of the day in the year 2008.

    It annoys me everytime we have to deal with a present day issue; we have to hear about what one could and could not do during the Burnham years.

    Kabaka, if it was wrong then, it is wrong now! This is the 21st century and we do not have to put up with the same old crap.

    Furthermore, this cabal was democratically elected,right? And as such, they need to behave that way.

    Nonetheless, you call yourself kabaka (lol).

    [Reply to this]

    Ricky SAINT LUCIA

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 9:41 am:

    You need to face reality and stop this nonsense. Guyana is the way it is because of people like you. Blaming someone before taking responsibility for our actions. two wrongs dont make a right. STOP IT, MAN.

    [Reply to this]

    gtmassive UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 9:52 am:

    What are you talking about, you have a problem with journalist reporting the truth? Forbes is dead and long gone, these are modern times. Try to live in the present and not the pass. In Forbes time there wasn’t local television news cast - as a matter of fact there wasn’t much television at all.

    Maybe you should state what laws were broken.

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    optimistic pessimist UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 10:16 am:

    Kabaka, I find that I have to respond to your unfortunate posting here. I may be subject to correction here but it is my understanding that Mosely’s transgression did not arise from him publishing an official news article, rather it was a letter that he wrote to the newspaper? Other than vindictiveness and heavy handedness, explain why he should suffer professionally for an article he wrote in a non-professional capacity comrade Kanaka.

    Some of you folks have a counterproductive predilection for rehashing the vagaries of the past administration as justification for present day victimization and marginalization. One, sir/madam simply does not justify the other. Here is another laughable comment you made “…show respect…” Respect is subjective, what I may find as respectful you may find as disrespectful. Who is to say that your yardstick of respectfulness is better than my yardstick or vice versa. What law does a person break if they are indeed disrespectful of the current Government of Guyana?

    Slander, libel and sedition are some legitimate transgressions that a journalist may be guilty of. What the current administration considers disrespectful is not a legitimate charge deserving of official exclusion. If this precedent is not met with an appropriate and vigorously animated response, the government will be emboldened and will continue to perpetuate this selective persecution of non-sympathetic journalist. If this current transgression by the Jagdeo administration is allowed to continue unchecked, the unfortunate result will be that Journalist will become apprehensive about reporting on issues or airing views that portray the Government negatively for fear of jeopardizing their livelihood.

    Is jus’ me, or is dis scare-tactic exactly what de Jagdeo clan is hoping to achieve. Nah, is mussie jus me!

    [Reply to this]

    sandy CANADA

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 10:55 am:

    These persons have been in power for 16 years. Time flies and based on current voting patterns, I dare say they’ll enjoy AT LEAST 20 years in office. When they reach that milestone will they still use ”28 years of dictatorship” as the stock excuse for their own dismal failure to effectively run Guyana, and their own inexorable slide into authoritarianism????

    [Reply to this]

    Charriot UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 11:45 am:

    Burnham and Jagan were both COMMUNIST. and Jagdeo is following the legacy of Jagan. So all that you are saying amounts to nothing.

    The government talks about democracy, but this behavior is a dictatorship.

    [Reply to this]

    Chemist BARBADOS

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 11:55 am:

    Kabaka you are unfortunately nearsighted, furthermore why are you not living in Guyana, Forbes Burnham is no longer in power so you can go and enjoy the “advancing programmes and policies”, it seems like it would be advantageous to you.

    [Reply to this]

    Onverwagt1 UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 12:02 pm:

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008.
    Kabaka,which side are you reading from?’Fat BOY’ is gone but it seems that when-ever the present administration is confronted and their inabilities exposed ‘The Burnham Syndrome’! kicks in. This Government pride itself of restoring democracy to Guyana but continues along the path that undermines freedom of speech.Turn on your T.V.in North America on Sunday Mornings Ch.4 & 7 or listen to govt,press conferences you would appreciate true freedom of the PRESS.maybe these types of programs can help them too.

    [Reply to this]

    BOEING777 CANADA

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 12:54 pm:

    kabaka couldn’t see the truth even if you offer it on a platter. wake up kabaka you are suffering from the ostrich syndrome

    Guy99 UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 1:18 pm:

    What laws did this reporter break. ?This govt does not want to be criticize for anything. Having reporters who only agree with your ideas is not good for this country.

    [Reply to this]

    Onverwagt1 UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 1:37 pm:

    Kabaka,Respect given is respect earned,A government of the people should be for the people most recent look at what happened to Mr Yesu Persaud and Mr Oliver Hinkson. What disrespect have they shown?.At a social gathering in New York President Jagdeo aired his concern about good people getting the wrong impression of Guyana and asked journalist to report and I quote ‘I’m appealing to you to be fair .Write both sides of the story’,end of quote. Mr.Moseley now zapped for reporting on both sides,

    [Reply to this]

  3. freetorun UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 8:25 am

    WHEN these reporter ask any question just say NO COMMENT, this will frustrate them then they show respect or do like the American, DONT ANSWER THOSE REPORTERS QUESTIONS.

    [Reply to this]

    Kufu UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 10:49 am:

    The Man broke no laws. Its time for us all to confront corruption and lies and bring this Government or any government that rules this land to full accountability to the people. My brother thats democracy.

    [Reply to this]

  4. CFO GUYANA

    on July 18th, 2008 8:39 am

    Good move. They should do this at every opportunity and even take it as far as to stop coverage of the Government’s activities.

    [Reply to this]

    finethings GUYANA

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 11:31 am:

    CFO that good move you are talking about means that the reporters are controlled by the gov’t in terms of what to say and not what to say.the gordon mosely ban is wrong, totally wrong!!!. this is a free country we are free to speak our mind but at the same time have respect and do our job in a professional manner. isn’t that the truth?

    [Reply to this]

    CFO GUYANA

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 7:38 pm:

    I agree that the Mosely ban is wrong - what I’m saying is that the press should effectively boycott the Government - they want the propaganda to be publicised and that is what we have to stop!

  5. fayso61 UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 8:50 am

    The problem here, Kabaka ,is that the government claims a return to democracy. There is a wonderful demonstration of democracy in the movie “The American President”. You should check it out.
    As I understand the issue, no laws were broken.

    [Reply to this]

  6. bbuckman UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 8:52 am

    i beg to disagree with Moses Nagamootoo .While Mosely did not break any law and it is his right.
    Similarly ,it is the executive prerogative to ban Mosely.
    Civility cuts both ways.In other countries of democratic norms ,Mosely will be siliently relieved of his position,of reporting from the “national desk”..
    if he continues to be disrespectful,nobody civil nerve will listen to him.

    national desk”

    [Reply to this]

    Charriot UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 11:50 am:

    I disagree with your comments, because in a democracy the president is not the one to pass judgement, it’s up to the governing body of the employee.

    Get your fact right!!!!

    [Reply to this]

    Onverwagt1 UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 2:37 pm:

    The wanton use of this ‘Executive Prerogative has cause Guyana to be in such a sad state ,too much petty political tactics it is time to have some type of Civility even at the ;NATIONAL DESK’.Guyana was once a pride amongst other nations in the Caribbean and other parts of the world,what do we have today?Maybe as Guyanese ‘WE LIKE IT SO’.

    [Reply to this]

  7. yasuman71 UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 9:14 am

    I call upon the PPP parliamentary committee to discuss and find whether Moses Nagamootoo is flagrantly violating party discipline by openly disagreeing with his own government. President Jagdeo has reiterated that his government is the PPP government, and that the Guyana Press Association is behaving like an opposition party. Mr. Nagamootoo cannot occupy a PPP seat in parliament and serve the interests of the opposition at the same time.

    [Reply to this]

    gtmassive UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 10:02 am:

    You live in America, you should know better. Democrats disagree with other democrats, Republicans disagree with the President. Mrs Jagan doesn’t always agree with what Jagdeo says. She has no problem with stating how she feels. Why should Nagamootoo be any different?

    [Reply to this]

    realgirl_tessa UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 10:16 am:

    He’s not oposing the party! Should he sit back and see the wrong thing being done and remain silent? In a democracy you are free to disagree with the govt.
    Can someone tell me what was in Moseley’s article that would warrant a ban?

    This ban like other things is Jagdeo’s childish mentality coming to the forefront when there are much more inportant things to worry about. Under this administration Guyana has sunk to it’s lowest levels, ever!! What a shame!

    [Reply to this]

    Joc BELIZE

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 10:37 am:

    I must respond to yasuman71. A minister of government is elected to serve the interest of the people FIRST. He or she has a right to his own opinion and judgement on a matter regardless of whether this is contrary to the party’s stance.
    Contrary to this that minster will actually be serving under a dictator.

    [Reply to this]

    Charriot UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 11:52 am:

    Get your facts right!!!!,, He spoke on behalf of the press association. And they are not a political party.

    [Reply to this]

    bbuckman UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 19th, 2008 8:22 am:

    most of the time nagamoto is a maverick il ike that.having said that ,but a lot of time his flamin cause is misguided.

    [Reply to this]

  8. gtmassive UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 10:22 am

    Way to go journalists! Continue walking out until the ban is lifted. The President is too thin-skinned. He would not have been able to function if he was in America, where the President is the butt of all late night jokes.

    [Reply to this]

  9. guyanesestarfish GUYANA

    on July 18th, 2008 10:33 am

    sharma wassssssssss right, these are cowboy ppl. so this make guyana one big pasture. hee haw!!!

    [Reply to this]

  10. miltonbruce UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 1:21 pm

    Now we getting someplace, the next step is to discard all the government propaganda passed for news. Leave it to GINA & the Chronicle.

    [Reply to this]

  11. gt_don_ UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 1:24 pm

    Hmmm now let me see where this goes (just food for thought), House Speaker Pelosi calls Bush ‘total failure’

    let me guess, she`ll be ban from the house (yep guess so) kabaka,you are in a “SAD” state.. nobody reads the news anymore…..good luck Mr. Moseley

    [Reply to this]

  12. cochore UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 1:46 pm

    I’m pleased to see that most Guyanese in the diaspora feel the same way as I do, about the Gov’t behaviour on this Moseley banning issue. We should all come together and voice our opinions on other similar issues for political CHANGE, since the local folks back home are punished for stating the obvious. This PPP-Jagdeo administration is an affront to good governance.

    [Reply to this]

  13. ankoko UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 2:08 pm

    Disrespectful!!!! That is the crime here?. Disrespect to whom or what?
    If it’s just plain disrespect, then in my humple opinion Jagdeo, Rohee, Hinds, Baksh and all the rest of them guilty of that every day. Who punishing them?.
    If this fallout is as a result of a letter he wrote to some media then May the Supreme Being help us all!!!

    [Reply to this]

    BADLALL CANADA

    In reply to the above comment on July 18th, 2008 3:59 pm:

    This govt does not give respect so they cannot get respect

    [Reply to this]

  14. mrahaman UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 2:40 pm

    PPP has never learnt how to handle a free press. No question that there is world of difference from the PNC regime, but that is neither here notr there.

    On one hand we have Ministers and even the Head of State shouting down anyone who disagrees with them and in this case even banning the reporter from the OP. On the other hand we have a media that still does not understand the responsibility of reporting the WHOLE truth and the duty to inform and not inflame the public at large.

    The reporter has a right to report the news and whats important to the public and the editorial staff needs to ensure that what is reported is fair and balanced. This is not the case in Guyana at the moment.

    The PPP, especially the President, must not let his emotions get in the way. Of course reporters are going to disagree with him sometimes and yes, because reporters are people and have emotions like we all do, they will also have biases and sometimes it will be reflected in their reporting. This is nothing new.

    The president has to show that he is above these petty matters and let it be. The truth will always rise to the top as always.

    And phuleese… no silly reply to letters with a letter from some government official Just do the job you are supposed to do. The letter column is just Guyanese gaffing.

    [Reply to this]

    bbuckman UNITED STATES

    In reply to the above comment on July 19th, 2008 8:30 am:

    the press is still printing in guyana,and they are sensational news.but during the seventies nobody can disagrre with burnham.
    larn yu history

    [Reply to this]

  15. rwilliams CANADA

    on July 18th, 2008 3:48 pm

    Repression of the press is characteristic of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes;
    private businessmen, farmers, intellectuals, proffessionals, students, dissenting voices, journalists etc. , were imprisoned in Soviet - communist Gulags and millions were killed during the communist - ‘ cultural Revolution ‘ in china, to make them pay homage and respect to their rulers and their myopic ideas.
    Today, the Soviet Union does not exist and the longer there is communism in China, the less there is of it.
    Those displaying authoritarian and dictatorial ambitions in the PPP and the present political administration, should learn from the bitter lessons of their closest communist allies.

    [Reply to this]

  16. raisinghell UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 10:16 pm

    KADAKA you seem not too bright. i wonder what kind of schooling you had. If horses had wings they would fly too you fool. it is the PPP that professes to be democratic and they are acting otherwise. Don’t lecture nobody about history we already no that.

    [Reply to this]

  17. birds CANADA

    on July 18th, 2008 10:20 pm

    This is 2008, Burnham died 2005 and after 23 years this PPP Government still blaming Burnham for their mistakes. The PPP government took office in 1992 and promise the people of Guyana that they can do better. For 16 years they have been blaming every one else to cover up their mistakes.
    It is admirable to all the reporters who walked out of Parliament yesterday in support of Mr Gordon Moseley the Journalist of Capitol News.
    According to Mr Freddie Kissoon in one of his article and I fully supported him in his views - said that Mr CN Sharma was very careful and feel that the women caller was a set up to close down Mr Sharma. The suspension of the licence CNS TV Channel 6 was brutal. The withdrawal of advertisements from Stabroek News. Was fully in disagreement with TV Host Mr Waddle and Mr Mark Benschop. This Government wants’ to control the media. It is clear that the President and his Party don’t want the reporters to do their job that they are so qualify to do. All Editors, Reporters and Journalist continue to do your job and not let others do or dictate what you should and should not do.

    [Reply to this]

    La vie est bonne! CANADA

    In reply to the above comment on July 21st, 2008 10:16 am:

    No Burnham died in 1985…

    [Reply to this]

  18. ankoko UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 10:29 pm

    Reading the comments of mrahaman and rwilliams has just set me thinking something. Mind now - I am not trying to defend anyone’s position but I am beginning to think that inasmuch as the PPPis selling itself as a ‘democratic’ political group they are still at heart and in practice Marxist Socialist as espoused by Dr. Jagan in the 1960’s. The party is made up mostly of those who were there in the sixties and their students.
    This suggests that the base ideology has not changed. Couple that with the feeling of ‘now I have the power’ to be like the previous administration or worse - (everything that is brought to question is explained to be as a result of 28 years of PNC rule) as a way of trying to minimise or excuse their gaffes and lack of serious infrastructural and economic progress in the years they have been in office.
    On the other hand I am beginning to wonder if us Guyanese as a people have lost sight of any ideology other than ’socialist based’ thus making it well nigh impossible for us as a people to ‘move on’ idealogically. Where is the democracy. the new ideology that was supposed to cure all that ails the country and its people? Fortytwo years after independence we as a nation are still searching for an ideology amid a climate fraught with the rewriting of our history.
    Seriously - where do we go from here???

    [Reply to this]

  19. mrahaman UNITED STATES

    on July 18th, 2008 10:44 pm

    I am no fan of the PPP. I think that their colour is still Red, so I will never support them. But if one wants to compare teh PPP with China and the Soviet Union, then don’t complain when others reference “free” press under the PNC regime.

    Like I said before, the PPP is not accustomed to a free press and they do not know how to react. The media on the other hand goes too far sometimes and then cry foul. No I am not speaking about Mr. Mosely here, but CNS and others.

    Why was Mosley writing a letter in the paper he works for anyway? If they felt that the matter was worth a response, should it not come from the ombudsman (if there is one) or an editorial - from Mr. Mosley’s editor perhaps?

    Many times the SN reports are as biased against the PPP as the GC is biased in favour of them. Truth is the GC should be sold or done away with. And let PPP supporters not compare to the BBC, because BBC it’s not!

    In conclusion:
    1. The OP should immediately rescind the ban on Mr. Mosley.
    2. Editors must strive to maintain fair and balanced reporting and do not take political sides. People who they disagree with would respect them more and the newspaper would benefit in the long run.
    3. Their needs to be a media watch group and clear laws established, so that reporters, media houses and the public alike would know what the limits are and what are the consequences for crossing that line.
    My personal view on # 3 is that anything that is obscene or could be harmful, should be prohibited. For example, pictures of accident victims (often without relatives permission), pornography, cuss words, inciteful language or programs that could cause people to harm or attach others. Everything else should be permitted, full stop!

    There is an old joke… An American and a Russian were arguing about freedom. The American said that an American living in American can cusrse the American President and no one would harm him. The Russian countered that in Russian too there is freedom, because in Russia anyone could curse the President (of USA) and no harm would come to him.

    Be careful BG. You cuss out the airline fella (Gouvia), then old man Yesu and now you banning people from the OP. Thin ice, very thin ice BG.

    [Reply to this]

  20. bigpraff UNITED STATES

    on July 19th, 2008 5:28 am

    Why is it had to believe that Journalist Mosley was banned from the press core in the president’s office? Guyana is part-time democratic nations where the leaders operate on the principal of speak well about me at all times or you will be CENTURED. Guyana does not operate on a principal of free speech. The government is using tactics of communism to disenfranchise journalist throughout Guyana. I hope they remembered happened to communism not so long ago. They inhibit the journalist from using their ethical values to report stories as they see them. I think the government would like to have prepared stories for the press core but they realize it will show their true intentions. So they avert to propogandic short sightedness. It is sad to actually believe these guys are leaders of a sovereign country who is in the new millennium. In this regard Guyana has not made there as yet. This is a classical tale of the bully who knocks you down every time he feels like. As the analogy goes, all bullies get their just deserve in due time. I was very encouraging to see the support the Journalist received from his colleagues. In the distant pass he would have been on his own. Ladies and gentlemen of the Guyana press core continue to report the new as you see it and let your writing speak for you.

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  21. bbuckman UNITED STATES

    on July 19th, 2008 8:34 am

    you eva visit russia or china

    what is the purpose of de press.

    where does the press fit ,in society

    [Reply to this]

  22. eureka BARBADOS

    on July 22nd, 2008 11:02 pm

    I too wish to add my two-cents worth to the discussion. When I heard the news on monday morning to be exact on Cana TV, I was appalled at the comments by the Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo.

    I would simply want to remind him that he ought to remember that the power rests with the people. A few months ago right here in Barbados, Owen Arthur made a stupid statement during the election campaign about being motivated in a special way not to see the DLP ever form the government again and we did what any sensible group would have done.

    These politicians when they stay in office a bit too long they become misguided by their own arrogance and just as the Grenadians did with Dr Keith, I’m afraid that it may become necessary for the Guyanaese to follow suit.

    The journalistic profession, the true guardians of democracy and free speech must not only be respected but must be safeguarded against these kinds of persons who seek to marginalize the profession.

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