Distinguish Members of Cabinet, our Prime Minister, members of the Diplomatic Community, and importantly; members of the media- although I don’t know how we define the media today. I would be officially presenting to my colleagues in CARICOM at the next meeting, a paper that I want to develop on the evolving definition of the media.
Today’s topic points to the evolving construct of the media which is changing the evolving role of the media, and if fundamentally we have not evolved in how the media is defined, then we will not understand how the media is designed, and who will be designing this media, and to what purpose. One of the great things about the media in Guyana is that we have a very young, vibrant media family, and I think this gives you an excellent opportunity to be part of a new global revolution on redefining what constitute the media.
So today, I just want us to expand our thinking process a bit about the evolution of this loose term today that is defined as the media. I want to first of all congratulate all of you for the tremendously hard work you do in media- however it’s defined. We will decide at the end of today whether we want to be part of this conversation on the definition. But I want to thank all of you for the work that you do. I want to thank all the journalists globally who are working tirelessly to bring the expressions of people, and I’m going to carefully choose my phrase; bringing the expressions of people alive. What constitute expression and what drive that expression is also a debate, because you can have journalists who expresses expressively and clearly would portray a regime that another journalist would say a dictatorship is a democracy.
So, it’s what expression who is bringing life to that expression, and what constitute the fundamental pillars of that expression. These are all important things that this changing world, and we must acknowledge that the world is in a reset mode. If we cannot acknowledge together today that the global community is in reset mode, then we are going to make a fundamental mistake. The world is at reset now, and everything that we do must be captured in this reset mode. If we don’t understand this reset mode and philosophy, then we will be left far behind.
So, who constitute the media? Historically, we had a clear definition. But if media is what give news and information then reach, responsibility, reliability and relevance are important. So, who is more relevant, someone who can meet 300 million people in a second, or someone that will meet 3000 persons in a day? Very important question, because the one who might be reaching 300 million might have reach, but are they responsible and reliable?
So how do we manage in this environment when the speed, accuracy, reliability and relevance go at odds with each other. If you look at any developing or developed society and they want to find who would better position my message, what do they look for? Reach, they look for how many persons you have under your account. They look for influencers; who you influence- not how you influence. So, the ethics of the question is put on the back burner here, because reach, influence and speed of doing it is now the critical mask that people are attached to- And here lies the danger, tremendous danger, especially when you add the power of AI to that formula because it does not require intellectualism or professionalism to define the message anymore; you have the reach, you have the capability and capacity. You then have the intellectual ability of using a tool that requires limited thinking to do whatever you want that tool to do.
Is there anything we can do about it? Very little at the moment, because in every competition you want to win, if you don’t adopt you will lose. It’s brutal, but it’s the truth. So then what constitute the media? I’ll give you an example. If you have a fire, you have 500 reporters, because everyone with the instrument to disseminate information is a reporter on that site, is delivering a message with commentary, and then everyone who add a comment on that image that is coming out is part of the reporting mechanism. So, it’s not only the speed and of the dispatch of the information, but the speed in the opinion making and translation that is added into this equation. Use for the right purposes vitally important, use for the wrong purposes; destructive in every way, shape and form.
So, this battle as to who constitute the embodiment of the media is a key issue. Many times, people point to politicians and say, oh, you guys are utilizing this tactic or that tactic, and this is globally- None can escape this question. But can you survive if you don’t adopt? these are key questions, mind boggling questions. So how do we ensure in this environment of AI that we pursue a path- and for CARICOM, I’m positioning this morning, that we pursue a common path, because we don’t have the capacity individually to do this. That would look at the intellectual and professional conduct of AI, that would look at the challenges, threats and opportunities of AI, that would look at policies, regulations and legislations that would ensure AI does not go unchecked.
If we don’t do it, it’s a ticking time bomb. if we don’t ensure that AI is utilized, especially when it comes to the press and information dissemination, because information is so powerful that it can destabilize instantaneously with little time to respond. And then also as media personnel, you also have to be aware of the changing environment. We have different type of leaders emerging globally, with different style, different preference and different priorities. The way leaders choose to disseminate information is completely different from traditional ways. Many leaders today would engage the media in public, would engage the media in an environment where there are other contributors to the discussion, because leaders realize that there is power behind every instrument, and if you want your message not to be distorted, you have to maximize the potential of the power behind every instrument so that your message is not distorted.
So, media personnel will be operating in different environment as the future evolves. In my humble opinion, the historic and traditional press conferences and press media room is changing rapidly because everyone understands the changing nature of information dissemination, of information access, of information availability. So, some other questions that we must consider what is the truth and who communicate the truth? What are facts? Do facts even have a role to play anymore in this race for information? Does science even have a role anymore? We have to answer these questions because if the media itself, or if the -I’m not going to use the word media again- If information disseminators themselves are not relying on facts and science and those things they’re more interested in that reach and impact and getting their first, then certain things will be sacrificed and what we are seeing globally is the most important aspects of fear and ethical reporting is sacrificed- not only here, all over the world. This is the truth.
So, what constitute our duty? Information versus facts versus news big difference. Historical news was based on information and facts. Today, there is a clear difference. There is a clear difference in what is news.
All of you when you went to university or even any media training, the first thing to tell you is what is a headline- dog bite man or man by dog. That example is given because everyone wants to race to capture the attention of people faster than the other.
AI and digitization – we as a country must have within the next 12 months, a clearly defined framework for AI and digitization in every sphere of national life, every sphere of public life, because it is going to drive national and public life in ways that we have seen never before. The other questions are, are we after facts driven news, opinion driven news, or preference driven news? Three important things in the world today; facts driven news, preference driven news, or personal opinion driven news. And it comes to personal opinion because the bulk of information disseminators are individuals, and most times, the better they are and the wider they reach, the higher is their pay. Uncomfortable truth, eh.
Now for the public sector, and I dare say the private sector, we must now agree that we have to have a strategy- And that is why we said in the police force, there will be reform in every sphere, not only police/fire, everybody. Because in your strategy, you have to have an information strategy, a news strategy and a communication strategy. The communication strategy must have crisis communication and crisis management as part of it. These are some thoughts I wanted to share to stimulate our thinking on this very important day when you exercise your minds on the profession that you serve and love so dearly.
So, my dear friends, World Press Freedom is a day that holds profound significance, not only for our nation, but for democracies around the world. This day serves as a reminder of the crucial role that free, independent and pluralistic media plays in ensuring transparency, accountability and upholding human rights. As we gather here this morning, I ask to reflect on the vital importance of freedom of expression and the fundamental rights that underpin our democracy. In Guyana, freedom of expression, including the freedom of the press, is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a cornerstone of our democracy society, and a fundamental human right that allows our citizens to speak freely, to access information and to engage in public discourse without fear or appraisal.
But I want us to pause here. This was enshrined in our Constitution at a time when digitization and AI was not there. That is why, in a reform process, we will have to pay attention to these new areas, ensuring- because remember, when you look at the UK law, I was looking at a program just a few days ago there is a higher degree of burden {Might not be the best word at this time} that is placed on digital and AI news because that news reach faster, further and quicker, so that there is greater responsibility on those that are disseminating that news, because of the instantaneous nature of it, and the speed and the reach. The burden of responsibility is different, and those are the things we have to look at, the best practices wherever they exist to be part of the reform.
I stand before you today to form my government’s unwavering commitment to this noble principle of press freedom. Over the past four years, our administration has consistently upheld this right. We’ve ensured that the media operates without censorship and within an environment that respects diversity of thought and opinion. This commitment is evident in our efforts to create a larger democratic space where journalists can investigate, report and critique government actions without fear or favor. While there may be instances of news reporting that appears slanted or contains misrepresentations, we remain steadfast in our belief that a diverse media is essential, even when it challenges our narrative. Indeed, the presence of multiple voices speaks to the vitality of our democracy. It signals that press freedom is alive and well in Guyana.
However, we must acknowledge that as with any freedom comes the duty of responsibility. This responsibility is twofold. It lies both with the media as purveyors of information, and with the consumers of that information. So, it’s not only about the media, it’s about the responsibility of the consumer of information. The media must give must strive for fairness, balance and commitment to the truth in all reporting. It is imperative that journalism does not descend into sensationalism of partisanship, that it remains anchored in the principles of professionalism and objectivity.
It is also important to remember that despite our commitment to press freedom, they’re forces at work that wish to exploit this freedom for narrow, selfish and often malicious ends. The press must be vigilant against becoming a tool for the perversion or distortion of news. As custodians of public discourse, we must recognize our duty to contribute positively to the social fabric of our nation, to promote understanding, inclusivity and Respect, and to avoid propelling division, incitement and hate- Very important as part of your ethical responsibility.
The vibrancy of our media associations and leadership. Must also have a vibrant, democratic and open process where all media workers feel a part of the collective whole. You must also now contemplate whether the narrow original confines of who are members must now be redefined to include the broader disseminators of information so that they can also be part of a responsible system, that they can also be checked in what they do within your own Association- Not doing this is not also adapting to the changing realities of our country and the world.
To our local media, I extend my heartfelt best wishes on this important day. You play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, guiding conversations and holding power accountable. This is an important year. I expect you to report fairly honestly, openly on our elections- very important. I expect our population, the consumers of the information reported on, to be responsible. The responsibility you bear is immense, and it is vital that you take it seriously. Engage in rigorous fact checking, pursue balanced reporting and dedicate yourselves to the ethics of journalism. In doing so, you will not only uphold the dignity of your profession, but you will also contribute to building a more informed and cohesive society.
Let us not allow ourselves to be drawn into dangerous waters of partisan narratives or malicious entrapments. Instead, let us elevate our discourse, letting facts be our guiding stars and our commitment to the truth as our compass. The role of the media in educating and enlightening our public cannot be overstated. When media organizations prioritize integrity and accountability, they become vital allies in our shared mission for progress and shared prosperity.
In closing, let us recommit ourselves to safeguarding the freedoms we cherish and to ensuring that they are employed responsibly. The pursuit of truth must remain our highest priority. Let us engage in constructive dialogs and foster a culture of respect and understanding in our society.
On this World Press Freedom Day, I urge every journalist in Guyana to hold fast to these principles and to do their job with integrity, courage and professionalism. Together, let us champion the ideas of press freedom.
Thank you and God bless all of you.
