Dear Editor,
September 15 is designated by the United Nations as International Day for Democracy. The focus on this year’s observance is the importance of media freedom to democracy, peace and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals. The press in Guyana must be commended for the strong advocacy role it played in the preservation of democracy in Guyana especially when attempts were made by the APNU+AFC elements to derail democracy during the tabulation processes of the March 2, 2020 elections.
Democracy in Guyana still remains fragile and all efforts must be made to consolidate and further strengthen our democracy. As pointed out by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, without a free press, democracy cannot survive and without freedom of expression, there is no freedom. As noted by the UN Secretary-General, free independent and pluralistic media is a key ingredient for democracy as it enables the public to make informed decisions and hold governments to account.
Sincerely,
Hydar Ally
