State television anchor, Natasha Smith was reportedly pulled from presenting the daily “NCN 6 O’ clock News” because of her pregnancy and the matter is being probed by the Guyana Press Association (GPA).
Smith when contacted by Stabroek News yesterday said, “There is some truth” to the matter but declined to comment further. She went on to say “I’m in the process of preparing a response in the form of a statement (and am) seeking advice on dealing with the matter.”
Smith has been away from presenting the news for approximately two weeks.
Chief Executive Officer of NCN, Lennox Cornette in an invited comment told Stabroek News that the reports being peddled on social media about Smith’s status are untrue. He declined to comment further on the issue since he stated that it would be unprofessional for him to discuss matters of his staff in the public domain.
Meanwhile, Neil Marks, President of the GPA said they are in the process of seeking an audience with the CEO of NCN.
“We have written the CEO seeking a meeting with him to discuss the issue [with] Natasha. He has acknowledged [the] receipt of our mail and says he will respond on Monday (today).”
Marks said that “[the GPA] have spoken to Ms Smith and from all that transpired with her being taken off the anchor chair, she believes it was because of her pregnancy.”
“She did not make a report, but when the matter was brought to our attention we contacted her,” Marks added.
