In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand expressed her sadness over the announcement of Stabroek News’ closure, describing the decision as a betrayal to both herself and the country.
Reflecting on her longstanding relationship with the newspaper, Manickchand lamented its closure, stating, “A newspaper that has been a part of my morning routine for as long as I can remember…cannot close.” She acknowledged the significant contributions of Stabroek News to vital conversations within Guyana, paying tribute to its founders, David De Caires and Miles Fitzpatrick, for their roles in shaping democracy through their journalism.
Manickchand recalled a television interview with De Caires where he discussed the challenges that print media would face with the rise of evening television news. He predicted that print outlets would need to evolve to remain relevant, a concern echoed in today’s media landscape where print journalism struggles against digital platforms.
Despite acknowledging that the newspaper had made errors, including libeling her and misrepresenting facts due to political bias, she maintained that its role in the country was invaluable. She appreciated the insights and lessons learned from Stabroek News over the years, even amidst its criticisms.
Highlighting the importance of robust public discourse, she noted that public figures and political institutions need to respond effectively to inaccuracies, particularly in a rapidly changing media environment where misinformation can spread easily.
Manickchand ended her post on a hopeful note, wishing for the survival of Stabroek News in some form, whether digitally or in print, and expressing her desire for the archived content to remain accessible to the public. She stated, “I shall certainly miss her. I truly hope the Stabroek News could find a way to store its already published content in a way that is accessible to all.”
