The Guyana Press Association (GPA) issued a statement this morning, condemning recent attacks on senior journalists Travis Chase and Abena Rockcliffe by President Irfaan Ali and social media personality, Michael “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues.
The GPA said that last Friday, it was forced to take note of President Ali’s treatment of Chase during a questioning opportunity outside the Elections Commission. Notably, the association said it condemns the President’s attack on Mr. Chase and other journalists with his labelling of them as “Opposition-aligned journalists.”
The GPA said these attacks mirror similar ones perpetrated by other activists of the PPP, including Rodrigues, who continues to label Chase and Rockcliffe as “Maduro Puppets.”
The GPA also chided Rodrigues for his verbal abuse of other journalists in the vilest manner last Friday while being cheered on by other activists of the governing party.
The GPA said it condemns these attacks, as well as those against Rockcliffe, who continues to do her job without fear or favour in an aggressive environment.
It said, “Several international observers of the September 1 elections have highlighted the polarised atmosphere in which Guyanese journalists continue to operate and the need for that to change.”
The Guyana Press Association said it will continue to call on all politicians to respect journalists and their work. It also offered best wishes to the President and his government on their re-election to office.
“It is hoped that relations with the news media will be greatly improved in the coming months and years, with a clear understanding of the need for access to information, timely information sharing, and respect for the work of the media,” its statement said.
