Tensions are rising as journalists are reporting significant restrictions on media access to the National Assembly amid the commencement of the Budget Debates. Gordon Moseley, Chief Editor of NEWS Source Guyana, voiced his concerns through a commentary published today Via a Facebook Post, highlighting what he describes as ignorance and arrogance from the Speaker of the National Assembly.
According to Moseley, journalists arriving for this afternoon’s session were informed that only five journalists would be allowed to cover the proceedings at any given time. This measure, purportedly aimed at managing space due to numerous invitees, has raised eyebrows among media professionals who argue that it severely limits journalistic coverage.
Under the new restrictions, the selected journalists must surrender identification—either a National ID Card or Driver’s License—to gain entry to the Assembly after receiving a temporary pass. Furthermore, the Speaker’s office has announced that only cameras from the Department of Public Information (DPI) will be permitted inside, compelling media houses to rely on DPI footage for their reports.
“For electronic media, this means we will have to wait until the end of the livestream since DPI has NO system in place to provide any live feed to media teams on site,” Moseley noted. The delay could force journalists to wait for extended periods before accessing video content for their newscasts.
Moseley expressed bewilderment at the Speaker’s actions, stating, “I don’t know where the Speaker gathers his media relations advice, but something has got to be wrong for such a backward step to be taken.” He emphasized that these limitations undermine press freedom and the public’s right to information, characterizing the Speaker’s approach as contemptuous toward the media.
Having covered the National Assembly since 1999, Moseley stated he has never witnessed such restrictive measures. He called on the Speaker to reconsider this decision and urged both the Government and Opposition, along with the Guyana Press Association, to address these concerns immediately.
“This is an attack on the media, an attack on freedom of the press, and an attack on the right to information by a Speaker who ought to be upholding those rights rather than trampling on them in this cowardly way,” he affirmed.
The commentary has prompted discussions across media circles, with many advocating for a reevaluation of access policies to ensure that the press can fulfill its role in providing transparent and comprehensive coverage of government proceedings.
