In the past year, press freedom in Guyana has worsened and that has resulted in the country dropping 26 places on the press freedom index compiled by the international group, Reporters Without Borders.

The report with the rankings was released on World Press Freedom Day, which was observed on Wednesday.

The report assesses press freedom in 180 countries.

On Guyana, Reporters Without Borders condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalists in Guyana through online targeting and disrespect from the administration.

The international media organisation called on the Government of Guyana to reform its practices to give proper access to public information, adding that members of the press should be respected and free from scare tactics in their jobs, especially in a signatory country of the Media Freedom Coalition.

The Guyana Press Association has complained about the harassment and targeting of journalists by online blogs and social media pages linked to the key players in the government. The Association has called out both the Government and the Opposition over their treatment of media workers in the country. Just recently, the Opposition was forced to apologise to a media worker after one of its officials went on a profanity laced tirade against the reporter during a telephone conversation.

For its part, the Government has said that it respects the work of journalists.

The GPA has accused the Government of making attempts to take over the Guyana Press Association and also attempting to form a parallel media organisation.

Minister with responsibility for Public Information, Kwame McKoy, while denying of any plan to take over the press association, said he sees nothing wrong with multiple organisations being formed to serve the same purpose.

Related posts:

ABCE Diplomats urge equal and fair access to information and public officials in World Press Freedom Day message Guyana Press Association seeks international help to address cyber attacks on journalists Media body urges President to Meet the Press at Press Conferences Local journalists reminded of their role as Guyana joins in observing World Press Freedom Day