The Media Association of Jamaica Ltd. (MAJ) says the failure of Guyana's President, Bharrat Jagdeo, to resolve a dispute over the suspension of state-agency advertisements in the independent Stabroek newspaper is likely to impact on press freedom locally and in the region.

"We are also concerned that the tried and tested mechanisms of dialogue and reason have not helped to advance a resolution to the problem," said MAJ chairman David McBean.

In November last year, the Guyana government suspended the placement of advertisements in the newspaper for being critical of the administration, an action which has been condemned by the Inter-American Press Association. The Guyana government has accused the newspaper of fostering the development of a new political party.

The MAJ said it will continue to monitor the situation with the expectation that good sense will prevail "as we hope for and stand ready to offer any tangible support that will result in an early and amicable settlement of the matter".

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