President Irfaan Ali on Sunday says that he is open to constructive criticism and committed to engaging all stakeholders for the development of Guyana.
“As President, I’m open to constructive criticism; I’m open to ideas and I’m open to sharing of responsibilities for the development and advancement of our country”, Ali told media workers from across the country during the Annual Media Brunch held at the Baridi Benab at State House.
In attendance, according to a release from the Office of the President, were First Lady Arya Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, several Ministers of Government as well as the President of the Guyana Press Association, Nazima Raghubir. In his address, Ali cautioned that while the society is free to openly express their views on various matters, this must be done in a responsible manner.
“I believe that in a free and open society, every view has a value and every view must be expressed freely. But in expressing those views there comes a responsibility also… As Nazima said, the responsibility of ensuring there is balance, there is fairness, there is factual basis on which those views are expressed is important in maintaining, not only freedom, but the image that the press is unbiased.”
The president cited the necessity for forging a common agenda with the media through building of critical partnerships on national issues. He pointed to the importance of a collective stance on national issues by both the government and the media, and suggested that a collaborative effort in addressing critical issues will foster strengthened trust. Ali identified as key among these national unity, domestic violence, engagement of the diaspora and suicide.
“These are all critical areas that we can work on, a common agenda on which we can build a national strategy, in which the government and the media can work together in helping a national cause. I think these are areas that can also help us to build trust; it is important that we build trust among each other also.”
Ali also admitted that his government must increase its accessibility to the media, with regards to development projects so that they (the media) will better understand the shift taking place in the country.
“I agree with you that the Govern-ment has to play a greater role in getting information out there and involving you in understanding the information in a very practical way, ensuring that the media is engaged not only from the desk, but from where development actually takes place, and these are things that I will support.”
Ali said that the media corps will also benefit from Government’s scholarship programme with access to training in specific areas of specialisation such as mass communications, journalism, and marketing.
The President also expressed appreciation to the media houses for their role in securing democracy for Guyana post the March 2nd general elections.
“Before closing, I must take this opportunity to thank the media; with very limited resources and with long hours, the media did an exceptional job in securing democracy for Guyana….It is because of the vigilance of the media, the steadfastness of the media, and to a large extent the independence and balance in the media that allowed us as a country and as a people to ride out that period successfully”, he said.
