Dear Editor,
THE Guyana Acton Party is happy to note that there is a refreshing change happening in recent times. The APNU/ AFC Government has begun to liberalise the flow of information and as such, caused improved communication and a positive fostering of democracy.

We now have new radio stations in remote communities of Guyana, established in a relatively short period of time. These include Aishalton, Bartica, and Lethem. Soon, Orealla will be added to the grid. These radio stations serve the surrounding communities and thus have a positive domino effect.

The National Communications Network (NCN) has begun to transmit in Lethem. It was a wonder to see on Lethem TV, His Excellency the President–Brigadier David Granger–commissioning the Aishalton Radio Station. Soon, we will be able to produce local programmes. Now we can get some leisure after a day of hard work, such as witnessing the Adult Calypso Competition, and watching a movie.

Already our Regional Democratic Council’s offices, secondary schools, and regional hospitals are connected by the internet to the world. Plans are in motion to improve these internet signals to service the health posts and surrounding houses in villages such as Karasabai and Shulinab. A tower will be renovated to beam the internet signal to the North Rupununi villages.

Now, we who live in these hinterland areas can fulfill our desire of knowing what is happening all over Guyana and the world at large. Importantly, we can highlight our successes, our problems, and our visions. We can also promote and strengthen our cultures and know and appreciate the cultures of others, thus promoting social cohesion. No longer are we being told that we cannot broadcast on the radio using our Wapishana or Macushi languages.

The benefits in the field of education are endless. Our children who sit the grade 6 examination and other examinations will now have [greater]opportunities to do well. We can improve our production in the field of agriculture and advertise our products. We can listen to our parliamentarians and other representatives. Already, we are getting valuable knowledge for better health.

These developments can be described as one coming out of a dark hole into light. Under the former administration we were deliberately kept in darkness. We must thank the APNU / AFC Government and the Hon. Moses Nagamootoo for the vision that has become a reality and the respect given to us who live in the hinterland. Suddenly, we can flaunt our pride of being Guyanese.

Regards
Vincent Henry