Expression
News host charged over incitement allegations
On 30th May 2024, Kidackie Amsterdam, host of the weekly Facebook programme “Issues in the News” and an executive member of the political party Working People’s Alliance (WPA), appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, charged under Section 18(1)(c) of the Cyber Crime Act, No. 16 of 2018, allegedly for using a computer system to incite criminal acts against the President of Guyana. A conviction upon indictment could result in a five-year prison sentence and substantial fines. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of $200,000, with his passport lodged pending trial. The police anticipate filing additional charges.
The alleged incident involved a video in which Amsterdam reportedly allowed a caller to incite violent acts against high-ranking officials, including President Irfaan Ali, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, Attorney-General Anil Nandlall and Minister Ashni Singh. In response, the Attorney-General emphasised the legal responsibility of hosts for permitting such statements on their platform, stating that Amsterdam’s inaction in preventing the caller’s statements could render him complicit as an accessory.
President Irfaan Ali lashes out at reporters
According to media reports, at a press conference on 20th June 2024, President Irfaan Ali berated and insulted members of the media, specifically targeting two reporters, Vahnu Manickchand of the Guyana Times and Shervin Belgrave of Kaieteur News. Manickchand faced critical questioning over her query, while President Ali admonished Belgrave directly.
Media demands accountability
On 13th May 2024, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) criticised the Guyana Police Force for its lack of response to media inquiries regarding allegations of sexual assault and cyberbullying made against former Minister of Government and Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall. A named individual accused Dharamlall of sexual assault, with reports filed with the police between 6th and 10th May. The police had not responded to journalists’ repeated requests for information on the following points:
- Whether the Cove and John Police Station received a report of alleged rape implicating former Minister Nigel Dharamlall.
- Whether the police can confirm receipt of a report regarding alleged cyberbullying.
- What actions, if any, the police have undertaken in response.
- Whether the former Minister has been summoned for questioning.
The GPA noted that the police’s silence on these queries raises concerns about its willingness and capacity to investigate not only its own conduct but also that of government officials or political figures of any ruling party.
Press freedom declines amid intimidation and regulatory control
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), press freedom has faced substantial challenges, as evidenced by a 17-place drop in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index. Despite constitutional guarantees, journalists critical of governmental authorities encounter significant impediments, including intimidation, financial disadvantages and legal repercussions.
Online defamation ruling
On 29th June 2024, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall awarded over $10 million (USD 47,600) in damages and costs to Fazil Karimbaksh, Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), against retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe. The judgment stems from a $70 million lawsuit filed by Karimbaksh, who alleged that Slowe made defamatory statements about him on Facebook and YouTube between November 2021 and January 2022. Justice Morris-Ramlall found that Slowe’s statements falsely accused Karimbaksh of lacking qualifications, misconduct, and ethical impropriety, concluding they were defamatory.
The court issued a permanent injunction preventing Slowe from further defamation regarding Karimbaksh and ordered him to pay $10 million in general damages, along with $300,000 (USD 1,428) in legal costs, due by 28th July 2024. The judge highlighted that the public nature of the online statements established the harm to Karimbaksh’s reputation.
Peaceful Assembly
Teachers strike again for wage increases
On 9th May 2024, teachers resumed their strike action, demanding higher wages and a new agreement with the government to cover specific terms. As previously reported, in February 2024, teachers across Guyana launched a nationwide strike that extended for four weeks. In response to the government’s salary cuts for striking teachers, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) initiated legal proceedings and successfully won the case.
On 20th August 2024, the GTU and the Ministry of Education finalised a multi-year agreement for 2024-2026, addressing several benefits sought by teachers, including a salary increase.
Red Thread continues monthly demonstrations to demand economic accountability
In a sustained push for transparency, accountability and government action to address the rising cost of living, Red Thread, a women-led civil society organisation, continues to organise monthly demonstrations in Georgetown. On 1st May 2024, Labour Day, Red Thread held a demonstration alongside the annual May Day parade and union rallies. The group resumed its picket in June, assembling outside the Office of the President.
Street vendors picket over removal
On 24th September 2024, vendors - mostly women - protested their removal from a location in Water Street in Guyana’s capital. The women protested outside the location of the City Council statutory meeting where they asked for a suitable location to continue vending, a form of support for their families. The vendors, who voiced their frustrations over the loss of their primary income source, highlighted the financial hardships they now face. One vendor, a mother, described her inability to afford school for her children, expressing concern over her family’s future following the abrupt eviction.
The vendors’ removal, carried out by order of the City Council, has sparked criticism and revived debate on Georgetown’s approach to street vending.