Guyana down three places on World Press Freedom Index
Press Freedom in Guyana has slipped down three places, the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) has stated. Guyana currently ranks 60 out of 180 countries. Last year, the state ranked 57.
The WPFI is compiled by Reporters without Borders (RSF) which “reflects a world in which attacks on the media have become commonplace and strongmen are on the rise”.
The commentary on Guyana from the RSF stated, “Although Guyana’s constitution guarantees free speech and the right to information, officials often use its defamation laws, which provide for fines and up to two years in jail, to silence opposition journalists.
The members of the media regulatory authority are appointed directly by the president. This restricts the freedom of certain media outlets, which are denied licences. Journalists are subjected to harassment that takes the form of prosecutions, suspensions and intimidation.”
In General commentary, the report stated that Media freedom has never been so threatened and RSF’s “global indicator” has never been so high.
“This measure of the overall level of media freedom constraints and violations worldwide has risen 14% in the span of five years. In the past year, nearly two-thirds (62.2%) of the countries measured* have registered a deterioration in their situation, while the number of countries where the media freedom situation was ‘good’ or ‘fairly good’ fell by 2.3%.”
“We have reached the age of post-truth, propaganda, and suppression of freedoms – especially in democracies.” The RSF stated.
Published every year since 2002, the Index is seen as an important advocacy tool based on the principle of emulation between states. Because it is well known, its influence over governments is growing. Many heads of state and government fear its annual publication.
The Index is a point of reference that is quoted by media throughout the world and is used by diplomats and international entities such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
