Georgetown : In their June 3rd report on Minister Priya Manickchand's remarks at a reception held at the residence of outgoing US Ambassador, Dr. Brent Hardt, the Guyana Chronicle article read, "Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand, despite being heckled at the instigation of local PR man, Alex Graham…”
Mr Graham in a statement today says “the fact remains that I was in no way instrumental in instigating what seemed to me to be a spontaneous popular reaction to the Honourable Minister’s presentation by a large number of the persons present.
In fact, having arrived late, I stood next to Chronicle Editor Mark Ramotar throughout the event, and in the vicinity of Chronicle General Manager Michael Gordon who arrived after and Chronicle Reporter Vanessa Narine who was covering the event. We were at the back of the venue, near to the entrance/exit and just in front of a very loud speaker. That speaker, being as loud as it was, would have made it impossible for persons around the venue to even hear me.
I therefore condemn in the strongest possible terms the Guyana Chronicle’s attempt to besmirch my character and good name. I also take offense to this gross, malicious and hurtful untruth.
Specifically, I wish to state that I have worked with government ministries and embassies since 1986 and officials and diplomats at the highest levels can vouch for my character and conduct in these circumstances. Also, as PR practitioner, I have enjoyed a very close professional relationship with the Guyanese media for many years and editors and reporters alike ought to be able to make equal judgments about my conduct.
I would urge the editor Mark Ramotar to see to it that this travesty is corrected and a retraction printed in the shortest possible time. If a retraction is not printed I will initiate legal action against the Guyana Chronicle.
Specifically, I wish to state that given the nature of my business this report has caused serious and grave harm to my reputation both as an individual and a professional public relations practitioner and to the reputation of my firm Tagman Media.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.