Double standard exhibited by US Ambassador over press freedom – Luncheon

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon says the recent comments made by the US Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt, over the state of press freedom in Guyana point at a double standard on his part.
At his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Luncheon said “the Ambassador inveigled against the Government of Guyana for not respecting freedom of the press and among other things intimidating the media,” at the recently held celebration  recognizing World Press Freedom Day 2014 hosted at the residence.
He noted that the event saw the attendance of Mark Benschop and CN Sharma.
The HPS described the US Ambassadors’ claims as “preposterous and outrageous”, adding that Cabinet’s response instinctively is understandable

“Cabinet was outraged at the Ambassador’s outbursts, particularly when the very actions of the US authorities in the White House with regards to their own media houses projects and insight that the Ambassador does well in concealing not highlighting,” said Luncheon.
He said that the Attorney General was present at the event and represented the views of the Government concerning “the Ambassador’s studied impertinence and double standards”.
Luncheon also singled out the Kaieteur News and Stabroek newspapers saying that these agencies’ “excesses” are legendary and open without apology and regrets.