RELIGIOUS groups in Guyana will be given a niche to broadcast their messages across this country when the Inter-Religious Television (IRTV) hits the local airwaves. Speaking at the 11th International Qaseeda Competition organized by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) yesterday, President Bharrat Jagdeo told the gathering at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) that the channel will be the medium to make religious messages more readily available.
Members of the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO), who have been meeting to appraise the prospects of the new channel, have formulated a proposed model that would see an equitable distribution of air time amongst the various bodies for the broadcasting of their religious programmes.
They have also agreed to the setting up of a Board of Directors, which will comprise representatives of the various umbrella bodies.
The channel is the brainchild of President Jagdeo who, in 2005, called for a television channel solely for the broadcasting of religious programmes.
The Guyana Government has maintained a reputation of religious tolerance, a stark contrast to the circumstances in other parts of the world, according to Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive (PPP) Mr. Donald Ramotar, who also spoke at yesterday’s event.
“We all live together with tolerance and understanding. In many other parts of the world we do not have this harmony that we have in Guyana,” Ramotar said.
He assured that the current administration will continue to champion the cause for the equality of all religions in Guyana.