PPP deplores Stabroek News report as `a piece of fiction'


Guyana Chronicle
July 6, 1999


GENERAL Secretary of the ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP), Mr Donald Ramotar yesterday slammed a front page report of the Stabroek News that the party's Central Committee wants an evaluation of Ministers.

In a release, Ramotar said the report is "riddled with speculations and smacks as a piece of fiction".

According to the release, last Saturday's caucus was a statutory meeting planned some four weeks ago.

The Party said the forum reviewed the political situation in Guyana since the last meeting, and "guided the way forward for the coming period".

Additionally, the developmental thrust of the PPP/Civic administration was discussed, as well as various policies of the Government.

"The performance of any Government Minister or functionary was not evaluated.

"The PPP wishes to categorically state that the issue of leadership of the party occupied no part of the agenda or the day-long deliberations. There is no need for this matter to be deliberated on," the release stated.

The party said the report further demonstrates Stabroek News' willingness to sacrifice "a basic laid down practice in responsible journalism", which is verifying the facts before publishing.

"The newspaper proceeded to carry the report without first seeking a response from the General Secretary on the `information' received from its now questionable sources," the release stated, adding that the "true intention" of the newspaper's report on the issue must be questioned.

"The PPP would like to use this occasion to reiterate that all the issues and promises made at the 1997 general elections will be honoured to the electorate and the membership of the party.

"More specifically, the `A' Team formula undoubtedly, still stands. Any fresh consideration of this matter would be immediately brought to the attention of the electorate and the general public," the release stated.

The party said it is concerned about the fact that a leading newspaper would, with alacrity, base an entire front-page report on speculations.

It further stated that some elements in the report are reminiscent of what Stabroek News "reported round the period of the Party's Congress last year".

"Does the Stabroek News have a hidden agenda?" the PPP statement enquired.

It added: "One questions the Stabroek News' motive for reporting that the Central Committee was critical of ministers' performance in Government.

"Even before the meeting was held, the Stabroek News exposed its mischief by reporting that the issue of leadership of the party would be discussed.

"The Central Committee is the highest decision making forum of the party outside of congress. This body meets on an average once a quarter."

The PPP said it has tried to refrain from mischievous speculations and rumours, which has not been in short supply. But the "naked attempt" of Stabroek News to "create confusion, and cast aspersions on the members of the central committee" initiated the response.

A detailed release on the conclusions of the Central Committee meeting is forthcoming, the People's Progressive Party release pointed out.


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