By Fareeza Haniff
[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Office of the Prime Minister has taken control of the State owned Guyana Chronicle Newspaper, following the brazen front page headline in the Tuesday, August 25 edition.
iNews has been reliably informed that General Manager of the Guyana Chronicle, Michael Gordon has been instructed to ensure that all headlines are sent to Director of Public Information in the Office of the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, before the paper goes to press.
It should be noted that this decision by the APNU+AFC government goes against the very stance taken by the Party during its time in the Opposition, where it had heavily criticized the then PPP administration for controlling what the State media produces and publishes on a daily basis.
iNews also understands that this very procedure was done under the People’ National Congress (PNC) when the Minister of Information would dictate what goes in the paper.
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who is also responsible for the Information sector, had vowed that he would not be a “minister of interference”, noting that he respects press freedom.
The situation took a turn for the worse on Tuesday, when Nagamootoo expressed “disappointment” with the headline carried by the newspaper and even sought to reprimand the journalist, Derwayne Wills, at Parliament Building.
The article headlined: “Gov’t blunders on Budget Estimates … violates laws assented to by President Granger” made it pass the Editor and onto the front page of the Guyana Chronicle and has been making it rounds on social media.
While the Prime Minister is claiming that he does not interfere with the editorial department of the newspaper, his Director of Public Information was observed inside the newsroom on Tuesday evening, August 26, passing instructions.
iNews made contact with Khan, who promised to return a call to the news entity, but up to the time of publishing that was not done.
Story Updated at 4:17 pm: Khan subsequently made contact with iNews and denied that he has to “approve” the headlines; however he confirmed that he did indeed met with the Newspaper’s General Manager on Wednesday, August 26, where “other” issues were discussed. Khan also denied that he was present at the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper on Tuesday night.
Ok hate mongering blind mice when the ppp totally controlled all government media did you have anything to say. NO! So what is your beef now you and the other hypocrites. Even foreign and regional media bodies chided the ppp for completely shutting out the then opposition. The ppp would not even allow advertising in independant media. So why not sit down and zip it.
This act was born of Nagamootoo’s light work load and his being eclipsed by Harmon. This is the behaviour of a man who is trying hard to be relevant. And who is the cause? Granger, none other.
Harmon is overloaded, Nagamootoo is underutilized. Harmon enjoys a high profile, Nagamootoo is relegated to a fringe role and the Indian populace is taking note.
Granger has to be well aware that the coalition cannot win an election without pulling a certain amount of Indian votes. APNU needed the AFC or else they would not have sought a coalition with them.
Granger needs to give Nagamootoo more significant ministerial responsibilities and a higher public profile. The label of ‘Prime Minister’ alone, will not cut it. Trust me on this Granger. We don’t want a return of the corrupt, criminal,PPP. As a chess player you should know that you may have to give up something in order to gain the advantage. Don’t be swayed by irrational and hysterical elements who lack analytical ability (ex-military et al). You are the leader and you enjoy such high public standing right now that they could not remove you even if they wanted to. Make haste and get it right with respect to Nagamooto’s (and the AFC’s) role. Show some 20/20 vision (excuse the pun) or we will all be sorry.
The bird of time has but a little way to fly. and lo!, the bird is on the wing.
This is not about the freedom of the press or the Coalition Government’s control over the press, this is about control over irresponsible journalism, the ppp party still has some control over the chronicle journalist and is using them to confront the Coalition in conversation then use the journalist to make false statements in the paper, I strongly advise all Government Ministers to carry small pocket recorders at all times so when these ppp paid lackeys approach them to ask questions they should take out the recorder and ask the journalist to first identify themself then record everything said or discussed and keep it for future reference.
The ppp cannot be trusted, lately they tried to incite a riot in Corentyne when the woman farmer was shot, they claimed it was a robber that shot her, the ppp sent 2 of their parliamentarians to the Corentyne to agitate the residents now that the truth has surfaced and we are aware that it was her husband who shot her. I hope all you ppp brain dead followers will learn something.
Mr. Ramjattan has surprise me with the decision he made concerning the Diagonal parking in the City
When you decided on a situation. Find a remedy first. Every day lots of new vehicle enter our road ways. I think Pres. Granger should let his ministers inform him first before they decided on some things. Ramjattan is screwing up and so is Moses. They are putting more work on the President
Moses. Moses. What are you doing?. You are now wanting to control the press.
Pres.Burnham was controlling the limitations of the news prints.
Are we going back to the dark black out days of victimization and Wich hunting?
Sell the blasted paper. Enough government control, ineptitude and corruption. This propaganda machinery has outlived its time. Sell it or fold it but it must not continue..
We knew this was coming all along,this is a man who was dying for a little power that he would give away his wife and kids to get some,all the things that he was blaming the PPP for,he is doing the same thing and even more,Nagga you have no shame ,you are the lowest of them all,nothing lasts forever.
Guyana is not a democratic society under the coalition govt.
Nigamotoo u should be ashamed of yourself by now and apologise to ur people for this non sensical behavior. ur time is quickly approaching my friend. say sorry and resign ad start ur life all over. equalty for all. don’t promote dictatorship. also Imran be careful
YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SO SICK…SERIOUSLY! A simple ‘glitch’ or ‘misinterpretation’ of a headline in a newspaper and you people already armed to the tooth with #doom and #hatred.LET ME HEAR YOUR COMMENTS ON THIS….and take note… the time period this took place. http://www.caribnewsdesk.com/news/10659-guy-42-billion-worth-of-gold-smuggled-in-four-months-several-visas-revoked
Emile, you just don’t ”let the story die” or sweep it under the carpet.There has already been a devastating ”fall out”. What you are hoping for is that the Guyanese people would forgive and forget the stupidity and arrogance of Moses Nagamootoo and by extension, the APNU+AFC administration in their efforts to curtail press freedom.
Al, do you expect Khan to accept that He has to approve the headlines? Moses is his immediate Boss. To do otherwise would only inflame an already embarrassing situation which would result in him joining the hundreds, nay, thousands who have been put on the breadline by a deliberate act by this current administration.
THEY ARE NOW ON A DAMAGE LIMITATION EXERCISE.
The damage has already been done.
You remember when they were offering free education, wow, if you had just accept it. Anyway, too late now, you have to remain dumb and ignorant for the rest of your life. My sympathies.
This is an absolutely retrograde step.All media must be free of political and especially government censorship.Are we going back to the PNC and PPP.paramountcy of the party.Withdraw this directive PM, or if you do not, then President Granger, put a quick end to this outdated, Communist method of control. The people will not allow this travesty.Stand up and say”Keep your hands of the Media,Coallition government”.
Imran Khan is not known for being ethical and Nagamoothoo is not known for his humility so the actions and subsequent denials/lies are not surprising.
..and we are back to the days of the PNC Regime.
The Guyana Chronicle Newspaper will once again become a PROPAGANDA Mouthpiece of the PNC Regime!
It is only a matter of time before KN feel the weight of the BOSS MAN, I hope he don’t call on Dr Jagdeo for help, when the fire start blazing down.
This pompous,arrogant NeeMak what’s he doing to do next. Is this what you APNU+AFC=PNC supporters voted for.
Some of you indicated that you waited 23 years for this change to happen. Let me remind all of you who suddenly came down with a heavy dose of amnesia it was the PPP/C who brought back freedom of the press to Guyana. Did you remember the good old PNC days (FREEDOM NEVER EXISTED).
Next you all will be in long lines for food items. For those who voted for this de facto Government those wonderful PNC days are coming back again.
Isnt this what we voted against…
State media or party paper.
Na the coalition getting out of hand
Khan denied that he has to “approve” the headlines, so what’s the issue. Did iNews try to contact the PM for a comment? Did iNews contact the general manager for a comment?? This is a very misleading article.
You can publish what you want but people reading the newspaper know your true colors. You formed AFC and joined hands with APNU and came to power. Prime minister has no voice in this country and whatever you do to save your face by polishing the news will not save your government.
People rejected you in 3 months. We have to suffer till next election for a change for good.
Don’t play with the media that can make and break the kingdom.
This is absurdity at the highest, this government should be focusing on selling out these useless entities. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and for the PM office on a daily basis have to be reviewing headlines in a garbage paper is an indication that these people don’t have enough work to do.
SORRY TOMMY. BUT DON’T FOOL YOURSELF THAT RUEL IS ASHAMED.”BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER.”
WHAT SOME PEOPLE NOW GETTING IN DEM HEAD , I ALREADY GET IN MEH FOOT. FOR A LONG TIME I OBSERVED THAT NAGAMOOTOO HAS BEEN SHOWING SIGNS OF MEGALOMANIA. GO NAGAMAN ! GO !
Ahahaha I didn’t wanna say it but you all knew this was in the cards coming . Nimakara is a power drunk monkey and he ain’t getg much power suh the lil he get he aims to splurge on it
Joey the US & GECOM knew what was about to take place with the election. PNC did not need Nagamoottoo / Ramjattan or Roopnarine but was told to hook up to make it appear it’s an ethnic unity coalition. Nagamoottoo / Ramjattan Roopnarine brought nothing to the PNC table and this is why they are thrown scraps to lap up at PNC table which they have no other choice but to eat it.
Was bound to happen, sooner or later. This is how Turd Wurld politicians operate.
E Mervin could it be Nagamoottoo is under tremendous pressure because Granger clipped his wings by handing all powers to Harmon? Nagamoottoo relegated to minister of media from day one. Nagamoottoo either ashamed or very much afraid to walk away from the mess he now finds himself in. I tend to believe the latter since all Guyanese knew what happened to Haslyn Paris of PNC in PNC compound.
And you are a cow…Tommy use your real name coward!!
The man is a pig
It’s your government so deal with it u fool
I’m not seeing this fool ruel Johnson posting anything about what is going on now in guyana he’s probably ashamed of his so called government
PNC dictatorship all over again i feel sorry for those fools who voted for this farce of a government
Totally out of order. What is wrong with Nagamootoo?
Get rid of the Pro PPP Scums if they are being bias with the Chronicle News Paper, but never attempt to control or dictate the Headlines of the Paper at no time ever. Guyana is now a Democratic Society under the Coalition Govt, so let us prove to the world that it is so and not Marxist, Leninist or Communist.
This is absolutely a No!!, No!!. There must be no interference at no time with any News Paper Publications. This is not a democratic move Mr Nagamootoo and this will not be allowed. If one is to say that Guyana is a Democratic Country well let it be known that the Govt must not be involved with any Publications whatsoever. This will never bode well for the Govt if this happens.
It would be interesting to know what those at Kaeiteur News, including Frederick Kissoon, have to say about this blatant interference by Moses who has now become just like one from the Hitler propaganda head quarter.
DEATH OF DEMOCRACY
DEATH OF PRESS FROODOM under APNU/AFC
This man is turning into a DICTATOR. AREN’T THEY supposed to do better than the previous government.
I agree 110%! The Government NEEDS to take SEVERAL PAGES from the BBC network and understand how state media works. I am very disappointed to say the least. Practice what you preach. Even if you have issues with the headline, speak to the Editor and the people in charge to ensure that they pay attention to what is written by their reporters, but DO NOT ISSUE SUCH DICTATORIAL INSTRUCTIONS to the media house, Chronicle in this case.
Mr Nagamootoo! You cannot now be doing the same things you previously criticised the PPP for practising, it is called hypocrisy
If this is not a dictatorship in the making well I do not know what it is. Here is the same government when they were in the opposition accused the then PPP administration of controlling and dictating what the Guyana Chronicle published and it was the same opposition who refused to fund it. Now that they are in power they are doing exactly the same thing that the opposed to. Mr. Nagamootoo you are nothing but a two faced opportunistic individual wtih no moral or ethical standard. What happen to freedom of press and freedom of speech – the people of Guyana need to be free and to hear the truth and not have information filitered or sensored by the government. It is quite obvious APNU /AFC regime is already preparing themselves to start their propaganda for the next election and to keep the guayanese people in the dark but don’t be mistaken the guyanese people are much smarter and will not tolerate you Mr. Nagamootoo, Ramjatan or any of your APNU/AFC cronies to take advantage of them. Yes the people voted for CHANGE but they got was only SMALL CHANGE. How sad in this day and age we are dealing with such spineless and shameless individuals. Do not take Guyana back to the dark days. The ethnic cleansing started, the indo Guyanese were referrerd to as “COOLIE” which is like calling Afro Guyanese “N—-“. This regime is only in power 3 months and the country is already back 3 years with the crime, discrimination and supression of the indo and afro guyanese. Stop giving us SMALL CHANGE and start be leaders and work as the servants for the Guyanese people. I am personally so ashamed of both Nagamootoo and Ramjattan – both of you will be kick out of the government sooner than you expected, will rejoice when that happens.
I am beginning to lose all respect for APNU/AFC government. The exact things they preached against, they are now shamelessly practicing.
These idiots need to realize that state media does not belong to the Government and is only controlled by the Government in autocratic regimes.
Moses Nagamotoo and by extension the government is beginning to lose credibility.
THIS LOOKS LIKE A ONE TERM GOVERNMENT.
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! I don’t even care if Nagamootoo is under pressure over an accurate headline, this knee-jerk reaction will only make a bad case worse. Let the story die, please, or risk a potentially devastating fall out.
this pure bullshit , Naga Man is going mad, Instructing Reporters what their News Head line must be, he was the one who was saying that the same CHRONICLE was PRO Government mouth piece, and Gov,t must not interfere with the news , now he is controlling the news DAMN IGNORANT ASS
NO, this should not be. State owned or not, there should be freedom of the press. Contest the headlines, but let there be free information. If you are transparent, there is no reason not to allow this. I am disappointed.
KN , SN , DMWAVES & INEWS BETTER TAKE NOTE. MANY BLOGGERS WARNED BEFORE THAT PNC HAVE NO TOLERANCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT FREE PRESS. BLOGGERS WARNED THAT IN A SHORT TIME ALL INDEPENDENT FREE PRES MUST TOW PNC LINE. LETS HEAR FROM THE LOCAL , CARIBBEAN AND WORLD PRESS ON PNC STANCE NOW LIKE HOW THEY LAID A BEATING ON PPP/C WHEN PPP/C SHUT DOWN CN FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOR ALLOWING A CITIZEN TO OPENLY THREATEN THE LIFE OF A SITTING PRESIDENT. BLOGGERS EVEN WARNED OF PNC COMING TO POWER WILL BECOME BULLIES JUST LIKE IT DID WHEN IT RULED FOR 28 YEARS. CITIZENS ARE MUZZLED IN PARLIAMENT AND NOW WILL BE MUZZLED IN THE PRESS.
LOL, this was the guy that was calling the pot black ,,,,,,, ATTENTION ALL MEDIA OUTLET TAKE NOTICE, don’t tell me all sign is not pointing to dictatorship