Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 23, 2011 Editorial
We are in the midst of a general election campaign. We ought not to be surprised, therefore, that disagreements abound – even about facts. It would even appear that we should say ‘especially about facts’. Take the present tug of war about the role of the media in Guyana: what are the facts? Are we really ‘carrion crows’ and ‘scavengers’?
The facts surrounding any given dispute are almost always open to debate – if for no other reason than they embody powerful strategic persuasive power. Whoever is said to possess the ‘facts’ to buttress their position invariably carries the day and we ought not to be surprised that they will be fought over.
The problem is that unlike, say in a legal argument, where we know that the lawyer will present the facts that burnish his client’s case, in the political hustings the contestants are asserting that their facts are best for everyone. It is hard to tell whether the truth claims are genuine information offered in sincerity, or merely partisan propaganda. This is the problem for the ordinary citizen in Guyana today.
Since the facts about the role of the media leave room for differing opinions, and it is to the benefit of one side to question that role, a factual dispute is almost inevitable in this instance.
The point about politicians, however, is that they are driven by a desire to win – that is the basic constituent of their psychology. In this scenario it is very difficult not to believe that they will do whatever it takes to emerge victorious in whatever conflict they are involved in. Facts will then be viewed as merely a means to an end; as strategic components to be manipulated in order to gain power. Is this what our media imbroglio is all about?
A factual debate usually demands some sort of fact-finding endeavour. But who are to find those facts? Can we agree on some common ground? Even those that purport to speak for the media are divided – with several bodies for reporters and owners. But if the parties can at least try to settle on the relevant facts by adopting some form of fact-finding strategy this will be a sign of progress.
It will signal that maybe the parties desire better relations and are willing to set aside adversarial tactics. This is a key step toward consensus. We must get to this point in Guyana fast.
It is important to utilize a fact-finding strategy that is appropriate to our situation. Performing neutral fact-finding or joint fact-finding often can be helpful.
However we must ensure that non-experts are not overwhelmed by authoritative organizations with access to greater manpower and resources. Sometimes, such efforts result in key information coming to light so that parties can reach agreement. Still, some amount of contradiction over facts is to be expected. It is often a fact-finder’s job to try to deal with whatever conflicting views exist.
This kind of factual mediation will likely begin by distinguishing between what common ground exists and what the real points of dispute are. In the end, though, contradictory information and uncertainty may be irresolvable. Fact-finding efforts may be limited to explaining the pros and cons, the potential risks and gains of the options available. This is why one may say we have a ‘political’ rather than a ‘legal’ problem in front of us.
Ultimately, it must be remembered that in a dispute, the real goal is for an improved relationship between conflicting parties, one that lowers conflict costs and improves the chances of reaching consensus. In Guyana, we must have some sort of rapprochement between the government and all sections of the media.
Parties that are interested in improving a conflict may have to forge ahead, doing their best to make the situation better. We are not sure that battening down our hatches serves us best.
Why can’t the parties in our present dispute over the facts of media responsibility put Guyana first?
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
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