GPA raises alarm over reduced press access to budget debates
February 2 2026
The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has issued a statement condemning restrictions imposed on media coverage of the ongoing Budget Debates in the National Assembly.
The association has raised serious concerns about reduced access for reporters, technical limitations on live coverage, and what it describes as an attack on press freedom.
See full statement here:
Statement from the Guyana Press Association on the action Speaker of the National Assembly
“The Guyana Press Association (GPA) registers its deep concern over the restrictions imposed on media coverage of the ongoing Budget Debates in the National Assembly.
We note that only five reporters are being allowed into the Dome at any one Time, with the requirement to lodge identification before access is granted.
This represents a significant reduction from previous years, when up to 17 reporters were accommodated within Parliament Buildings to cover sessions.
It is difficult to comprehend why, in a larger space, fewer reporters are now permitted.
Additionally, the absence of a direct feed for cameras inside the Dome is unacceptable. Media houses have been told that they will be provided with a link from the Department of Public Information (DPI), which has proven unreliable, with frequent audio breaks and interruptions. An online link cannot be considered a direct feed, as it does not provide continuous, unfiltered access to parliamentary proceedings.
The GPA reminds the National Assembly that the role of the press is to ensure transparency, accountability, and accurate reporting of parliamentary business.
Restricting access and failing to provide proper technical facilities undermines the public’s right to be informed.
We strongly condemn this edict from the Speaker and view it as a direct attack on freedom of the press, a hallmark of any democratic society.
We therefore call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Manzoor Nadir to urgently review these measures and restore full access for the press, in keeping with democratic norms and the principles of open governance.”
