Billions in taxpayers’ money needed to repair Guyana’s image

KN criticised for relentless campaign to destroy Guyana’s image abroad…

It will take billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money –  and several years –  to repair Guyana’s image internationally and conduct damage control in the wake of relentless negative reporting by the mud-slinging Kaieteur News (KN), which appears to be part of a concerted effort to portray Guyana as gloomy and depressed.

This view was expressed by a leading public relations expert, who said that the carnage being done to Guyana’s reputation is likely reaching untold proportions. The expert pointed out that the persistent negativity by Kaieteur News is pounding the country’s image, and the effect is one that will take a concerted, comprehensive public relations and information campaign to reverse, costing vital resources that could have otherwise been invested in the continued development and growth of the country.

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, who, while happy with the giant steps that Guyana has taken in pursuit of government’s goal of development in all sectors, also bemoaned the tactics employed by the Kaieteur News and its principals, and questioned the motive behind such a negative campaign.
A quick content analysis of the front pages of the Kaieteur News since the year started, reveals that majority of the days, it carried a negative photograph. Although there are positive headlines on the front page as well, the effect of the sensational photos and captions obliterates any good image of positivity.
Tourism
Ali told Guyana Times International that the country continues to be marketed heavily in the region and further afield, particularly as its tourism ranking has been improving with the help of more government stimuli and assistance.
“One is not by any means saying that the media are not allowed to report on crime or anything that is negative… all that is asked for is balance and accuracy,” he said.
“The many Guyanese who are returning, whether on holiday or to remigrate, all tell a different story. If that story could … also be told by the Kaieteur News, the image of Guyana that is presented in the region and beyond would be positive, even with that publication’s negativity.”
He said his ministry and other tourism stakeholders have had to respond to ongoing questions from tourists and others who are thrilled about the development taking place in the country, but they are equally concerned about the negative portrayal of Guyana in the Kaieteur News.

Ali said the Kaieteur News, just like hundreds of other businesses in Guyana, has grown and expanded its reach and profit line. Such business expansion must be commended, he said, but these businesses all grew because of the economic and fiscal policies put in place by the current administration.
“Where is the credit?” he asked. “Where is the balanced journalism that recognises the positive work of the government to bring in more investment, more tourism, more businesses, and more job creation? Isn’t it the same environment which they criticise and condemn so much that they are still operating in? Wouldn’t someone leave if things were that bad?”
Investment

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said there is a persistent pattern of distortion of facts and misrepresentation of issues, deliberate ignoring of explanations or manipulation of information for the purpose of portraying a skewed biased position, that is not based on fact but on a position that is critical of government.
He said, from its earliest days, the newspaper focused on the most sensational stories, creating the impression that Guyana is a terrible place, and setting out to shock and surprise its readership in order to capture an audience based on reporting extreme events with graphic pictures.
Dr Singh said there is always an expectation that the newspapers should be responsible in what they do, since the media plays a very vital role in a democracy. “But the principles of objectivity, fairness and balance seem to be non-existent with certain members of the media,” he said, noting that this is a discredit to investors and contractors. He said Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean that allows the media to be present at the opening of public tenders, stressing that the country has the strongest public procurement arrangements which can stand all scrutiny.
“The media are very important players and they ought to discharge their duties in a responsible manner. I therefore, urge the media to please respect the canons of journalism,” added the minister.