The union of three political entities ahead of Guyana’s September 1, 2025, elections was overshadowed by an unusual request on Monday – one that sought to initially bar the media from asking questions during the official signing ceremony. Worse yet, the signing agreement was initially declared “not for public consumption”.
The signing ceremony was to formalize the union of Forward Guyana, led by former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member, Amaza Walton-Desir; The People’s Movement, headed by Nigel London and Dorwain Bess’ VPAC Guyana.
The media were invited to attend but were later told that the signatories would not be taking any questions, much to the dismay of journalists present and who were tuned in virtually.
“I know this may be disappointing for some of you, but please note that today’s activity is not a press conference. Therefore, the members of the panel will not be taking questions today. So, we would be grateful if emphasis is placed on the ceremony and on the speeches that will come from each leader. So, we hope you can get some really good stories from those speeches,” Malika Ramsey, the host, said.
The stance taken ignited criticisms from the media, especially from the President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir and veteran journalist, Denis Chabrol.
“This is really unacceptable. The media is not there to just cover an assignment. We are present to also interrogate beyond what is presented to us,” the GPA President said via a message in a WhatsApp group.
In that group, a representative of Forward Guyana spoke about a separate press conference to be held on another date to facilitate questions from the media, but the GPA President, again, registered disapproval. “The media is/are not there to use when politicians feel we are convenient,” she said.
The singing document was also initially meant to be kept under wraps, but pressure again from the media changed this directive.
It was Ramsey, in her opening remarks, who said that the document was not for the public’s eyes.
“Additionally, please also note that the actual signing document is not for public consumption,” she said, while acknowledging that the media might need the document to contextualise the signing and to share pertinent information with the public.
She, however, proffered that the media should pay attention.
“I know some of you would want copies to help with your stories. Again, we’re asking you to pay attention, keen attention, to the speakers so that you don’t miss anything.”
As the criticism began to mount in the WhatsApp group over the nondisclosure of the document, there appeared to have been a change of heart.
Ramsey then returned, not to say that the signatories have acquiesced under pressure to release the document, but to say that the media will get access to the agreement because of good behaviour.
“I have a gift for you because our leaders believe that you’ve behaved very well today. So, you deserve a gift. So, you’ll now be able to get access to the signing document – the agreement,” she said.
At that point, the parties were still adamant that they would field no questions from the media.
“I remind you, we’re giving you the gift of giving you access to the document, but no questions for the leaders at this time. So, prepare to assemble yourselves for that photo opportunity,” the host said.
More pressure began to mount in the WhatsApp group, and the Forward Guyana representative confirmed that questions will be taken on the “sidelines”.
