Over the years, television production in Guyana has drastically evolved with robust support from producers like Joel Ghansham. Born with an inherent passion for volunteerism and upholding the tenets of the East-Indian culture, Joel has proven to be what Guyana has been craving for in the television industry.

‘Television production’ may appear as a walk through the park for some persons; but for Joel, after serving five consecutive years as a producer at the National Television Network (NTN) in Guyana, his accomplishments go beyond fame.

Renowned for his talk shows and his unique attire, Ghansham has been concentrating on adding more to the television industry, with his passion for culture leading him to chase the film industry to recreate long-standing Indian movies to match modern-day societies.

His biggest challenge is finding people who can think “outside of the box”, since many producers tend to side with clichés. He believes that filming and production are both in their infancy in this country, since many are concerned about the dangers of expressing their opinions on air.

A bold Ghansham then says, “I have no hesitation when it comes to those things!”

His vision for Guyana’s television industry in the coming five years is invariably optimistic. He has declared with confidence that Guyana has the platform for the television/broadcast industry, and is heading in the right direction, but many are too unqualified to handle what the industry requires of them. To mend such a problem, Ghansham says it is time persons work on their “deliverances” and “attitudes”, since broadcast journalism calls for great personalities.

Ghansham has, thus far, advertised for numerous private entities in Guyana. He has done approximately 20-25 advertisements followed by newly added talk shows. “My achievement speaks for itself,” said a beaming Ghansham. He credits his success to family members and friends along with companies like the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Ricks & Sari, Guy Track, Popeye’s, and BM Soat Auto Sales, among others who would have made his achievements possible.

Joel regards ‘Volunteerism’ as a hobby. As a strong animal advocate and spokesperson for the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), he has been donating necessities and aiding animals as a pastime activity. Given stray animals proliferate the streets of Georgetown and are constantly beaten and ran over by reckless vehicle drivers, Joel has been cooperating with the GSPCA to devise a plan to stem the proliferation of strays on the roadways. He had donated to the GSPCA the sum of $180,000 which he won in a competition.

Not only is he intrigued by animals, but the elderly also intrigue him. On a weekly basis, Joel visits charitable organisations and feed the elderly and less fortunate. He deems this as his relaxation quest, and has opined that there is nothing better than receiving blessings for helping others. He lives by the old saying: “Do an act of kindness; it makes you feel good about yourself.”

In expressing his thoughts on the “silly” (election) season, Ghansham recalled that, when he was a child, he had migrated to the United States of America because “Guyana was in shackles” and many were suffering from the reigning (PNC) government of that day. With smiles, he declared that upon returning to Guyana after there had been regime change, he had seen extreme progress, and has settled here to aid in further developing Guyana.

Asked about his age, Ghansham replied with a dash of humour: “I am 50 years at the doors!” In reflecting on his experiences in life, Ghansham disclosed that being married and divorced is an experience he had humorously said was “slightly foolish”, but it was, he said, one of his best. He does not regret his marital experiences, and would do it all over again if need be.

With a smirk, the witty Ghansham said: “I’m currently single and looking, though!”

By Shivanie Sugrim