Expression
Shooting at journalist
On 11th December 2023, an unknown gunman shot at journalist Travis Chase while Chase was on a personal visit to a relative in Georgetown. “As soon as I stepped out of the car, the gunman [opened] fire,” said Chase. Chase has described the incident as an attempt on his life, saying he feels it is connected to his work as a journalist. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum declared that efforts are ongoing to locate the perpetrators.
The next day, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) affirmed that this was not the first time that unknown persons had targeted Chase. In June 2020, Chase’s car was burnt and no one was charged in this incident. In addition, the GPA called for a thorough investigation into this latest incident:
“The GPA called on the authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. Journalists must be allowed to work without threats to their lives and livelihoods. The GPA has since notified its regional and international partners of this development.”
Similarly, on 13th December, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IAHRC), Pedro Vaca, called on the authorities to protect Chase and demanded “immediate and diligent investigations to guarantee his safety and his right to freedom of expression.”
Editor-in-chief of Max Media Guyana assaulted
On 21st November 2023, three unknown men with baseball bats beat Bryan McIntosh of Max Media Guyana, a digital news platform. On the same day, McIntosh reported the assault at the Turkeyen Police Station.
As informed by Kaieteur News, this incident occurred a few hours after he was arrested for knocking down some traffic cones in front of Freedom House, the headquarters of the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during one of his Facebook live streams on 20th November. There was no indication that he was charged for these actions.
McIntosh had used his social media to denounce several issues and call out several politicians, including Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, for what McIntosh listed as corrupt and questionable activities. No one was arrested for the beating of McIntosh.
Guyana’s Vice President threatens social media influencers
On 28th December, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced the government’s intention to bring legal actions against media influencers, particularly those who challenge the government and publish what he considers ‘irresponsible statements’. “So, I am so pleased that we could actually start holding people accountable for what they say. People can say whatever they wish. But if its seditious, you have to face the court,” said the Vice President. According to News Source Guyana, since taking office the government has filed numerous cases against people for statements made on social media.
Peaceful Assembly
Demonstration in Georgetown to condemn Venezuelan government’s Essequibo claim
On 26th November, citizens of Venezuela and Guyana gathered in the capital city of Georgetown to express their disapproval of the referendum called by the Venezuelan President. The referendum, which claims sovereignty over the Essequibo region, has been a source of tension between the two nations for many years.
The event was marked by a speech delivered by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, who emphasised the importance of maintaining peaceful relations between the two countries.