GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Media workers yesterday demonstrated outside the main facilities of the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) demanding that the state broadcaster reverse its decision regarding the removal of a television newscaster because of her pregnancy and the suspension of the sports editor.

“We are convinced that what has transpired there ought to be remedied in favour of our two colleagues, Natasha and Jocelle,” said executive member of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Denis Chabrol.

Earlier, the NCN denied removing the newscaster because of her pregnancy even as she insisted, “I was told by a senior manager that it was decided that I will be relieved of reading the news.”

NCN in a statement said that it is concerned about statements being made in the press and online news outlets in relation to employment issues surrounding two of its employees, Natasha Smith and Jocelle Archibald-Hawk.

“Management wishes to make it publicly known that Natasha Smith was not removed from anchoring because of her expectant condition or marital status, as is erroneously being alleged.

“NCN upholds the rights of all its employees in relation to their private lives and may only be required to address aspects of personal issues if they impede the employee’s performance on the job,” the state-owned entity said.

Smith alleged she was called to the office of the editor-in-chief, who explained to her that, “I would be relieved of reading the news because quite frankly the CEO (chief executive officer) did not like what he sees when he looks at the news.

“She told me that she was given a directive to remove me from reading the news in a management meeting on August 8 because the ‘image’ was not looking good for the news”.

Sports Editor Archibald-Hawke was suspended for a period of one month without pay over comments she is alleged to have made on her personal

Facebook page criticising a question posed to President David Granger on the Pokémon phenomenon.

Chabrol, who is an executive member of the Trinidad-based regional media organisation, the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), said that decisive action would be taken if the matter is not resolved in favour of the two employees.

“We intend to intensify our action on all fronts whether it be non-governmental or non-governmental, to bring this matter to a reasonable conclusion on behalf of the parties involved,” he told reporters.

The GPA, which was supported in its protest action by the Women and Gender Equality Commission, reporters and human rights activists, was due to meet with NCN management late yesterday to discuss the issue.