Seek truth, not agenda

– Dr. Jagdeo stresses the importance of integrity and honesty
-Said the government is committed to combating the spread of fake news

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has noted the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to address the escalation of fake news and called for integrity and honesty in the media sector.

While other countries like Jamaica have firmly drawn the line between fake news and free speech, the Irfaan Ali-led government has reaffirmed its belief in press freedom; however, Dr. Jagdeo urged journalists and media houses not to let their agendas get in the way of objective journalism.
At a recent press conference at the party headquarters, The Sunday Chronicle questioned Dr Jagdeo on the widespread distortion of facts; in response, he expressed disappointment at the misinformation being spread by prominent government critics.

Dr Jagdeo cited President Irfaan Ali’s press conference as an example of how such an important event could be selectively covered, noting that although it was a unique opportunity, it was wasted.
“He (President Ali) spoke extensively about various areas. Even if you want to talk about other things, please report what he said as a courtesy. But it is completely unbalanced. There is almost no substantive content reported,” the Vice President said.

He added: “We don’t want to control or dictate the media or journalists. We believe in independence. But journalists must also have integrity and honesty when they attend press conferences. You can’t come with an agenda. You have to come with the idea that you want to tell the truth to your readers.”
According to Dr Jagdeo, he holds his weekly press conferences for this very reason because if the ruling People’s Progressive Party does not respond to misinformation brewing in the public domain, such as on the subject of procurement, then it will be labelled as “corrupt”.

In April this year, President Ali dismissed “self-serving propaganda” aimed at gaining political advantage, insisting that the goal of “One Guyana” will be achieved through the integration of the country’s people and equal and fair opportunities.
In an interview with Trinidad and Tobago’s CNC 3 morning show, Guyana’s head of state said the unfair accusations were meant to describe the narrative that political opposition has historically spread to create divisions among citizens.

“I will not waste my time on propaganda that is selfishly produced for political advantage or political rhetoric,” he said, adding: “This country will move forward as ‘One Guyana’ and all the people will be united; we will have an agenda of unity. We will be united; we will ensure that unity is embedded in economic expansion and policy formulation.”

The President stressed that the Government’s efforts to promote unity have been manifested through a number of projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese.
Regardless of the outside touting, the Head of State affirmed that Guyanese people can expect the continual implementation of new policies and programmes to improve their lives and boost economic development.

“You will see that Guyana will continue to pursue sustainable development policies; policies that are designed to ensure that every family can live a prosperous life. You will see that Guyana will take the lead, if not the only lead, on issues of climate security, energy security and food security,” President Ali said.
The Government has set out an ambitious agenda for sustainable economic growth to 2030 and beyond.

We attach particular importance to improving the lives of every citizen and will continue to invest heavily in agriculture, health and education.
“We don’t want wealth to be based on economic parameters alone; we want wealth to be enjoyed by the people through good living standards,” Dr Ali said, adding: “You will see a lot of policies and programs continue on this trajectory.”