World Press Freedom Day symposium sees media outlets, entities exhibiting their craft

Some 300 media practitioners and journalists attended the National Media Conference and Symposium, which was held in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, and officially launched Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The event, which were attended by cabinet ministers, regional and international dignitaries, and executive members of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), celebrated the freedom of journalists and personnel of the communication field under the theme “Partnerships in Communication for Development-C4D”.President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who were among those that attended delivered the feature address. In media related interviews, several media practitioners spoke about the importance of World Press Freedom Day, highlighting that the auspicious occasion brings with it feelings of pride for the communication art.

“[This is] very significant because this is the one day that we remember the work of journalists…the one day that special emphasis is placed on our role in society, our roles in terms of disseminating information, changing the lives of many, telling the stories that need to be told for those that do not have a voice…we recognise those that would have contributed and lost their lives in the line of duty as a journalist,” Sports Journalist and executive member of the GPA, Rawle Toney explained.

Meanwhile, Senior Editor Samuel Sukhnandan noted that the event is not only one for reflection, but helps media professionals prepare for the future and equip themselves to effectively disseminate information.  “I think this is an important occasion for all media practitioners…it gives you a lot to think about, a period of introspection. It also helps you to make plans for the future for your career, and how you hope to move forward in years ahead,” Sukhnandan stressed.

Further, Senior Video Editor at the Department of Public Information Andel Matthieson disclosed that the hosting of the symposium by the Office of the Prime Minister is one that allows for journalists and other media operatives to address the challenges and issues they may be facing in their respective field. Matthieson said that this is in an effort to better understand the solutions that could be implemented to alleviate any issues that they may have in executing their duties.

“It is set aside for media operatives and persons in the journalism field to be able to express themselves and to also look back and reflect on where we came from as an entity and also under one journalism umbrella,” Matthieson noted.

The National Conference and Symposium was held over a two-day period and featured several media entities participating in extensive panel discussions and showcasing their work and equipment.