…promises media training and awards for excellence in journalism
A new media organization called the Independent Media Organization of Guyana (IMAG)has been launched, promising to lift the standards of journalism in Guyana by providing training not only for persons who work directly in the media, but for those supporting the work of the news industry.
The body has come in for high praise from acting President Sam Hinds and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ramesh Dookhoo.
The launch of the body took place last night at the Duke Lodge in Kingston, and saw the attendance of many persons in the media fraternity, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the private sector.
IMAG is the brain child of a group of professional media practitioners from across the media spectrum, and has set as part of its core mandate
(a) to collaborate with media workers in promoting professional and ethical standards, safeguarding and promoting the rights and privileges of the media in all Guyana
(b) to respect and promote the freedom of information, media freedom and the independence of the media in Guyana
(c) to protect and advance the interests of media workers at the national, regional and international levels through the exchange of information, training, and other interventions that may be deemed necessary from time to time, and
(d) to promote greater understanding of media issues through research, seminars and conferences, and promote co-operation and collaboration among local, regional and international organizations with similar interests in media.

IMAG will be open to any Guyanese media practitioner, including journalists, photographers, videographers, technicians, administrative support staff, IT media officers and new media practitioners, public relations practitioners and media marketers, and other media workers operating in and out of Guyana, whose bona fides can be established to the satisfaction of the executive of IMAG.
The body will hold its elections shortly.
Christopher Holder, IMAG’s Coordinator, said that just over a year ago, he sat down with a few colleagues and spoke of how things were in the past, when good journalism was encouraged in every aspect and when training was conducted every day in one form or another.
“During our little chat, we got around to discussing representation of media workers, not the traditional representation to journalists but [representation to] all classes in the media and associated entities,” he said.
He said that the training for persons other than journalists will emphasize the importance of their role in organization of the media fraternity as a whole. “More importantly, we envisage an organisation that will serve as a watchdog for excellence in the media landscape [in Guyana],” Holder said.
He said that over the next year, IMAG will embark on an aggressive training programme for media operatives in all categories. “This training will be done both locally and overseas,” Holder said.
“Already, several training programmes have been identified and in just under a month the first batch of media workers will be selected for participation. With national elections around the corner, the first training will target young reporters,” he said, adding that a complement of local and foreign experienced journalists will be part of the training.
Further, he said that IMAG will host an annual media choice award to recognize excellence in journalism and noted that the rewards will be significant.
Speaking at the launch of the body, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo, said the idea to bring together such a body as IMAG must be commended. He said that the freedom to express thoughts “is a part of who we are”, and that the media are instrumental in preserving those freedoms as well as fostering accountability.
He said the media must exercise courage and discretion while maintaining a commitment to the truth. He made the observation that editors and news writers often display prejudices in their writing. He acknowledged that Guyana had come a far way in terms of press freedom, but noted that clear guidelines are still needed for the state media. He said that the PSC supports the call for all political parties to be given equitable airtime in the state media.
Dookhoo welcomed the passage of the Access to Information Bill and the Broadcast Bill, and asked that they be quickly assented to by the President.
Prime Minister and acting President Sam Hinds said that the attempt at self-regulation by the grouping of media professionals is to be commended. He said that the body is coming at a momentous time, when Guyana is on the verge of national elections. He said that it is a time when there are a lot of opportunities for spin on the various issues. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to engaging the media in Guyana. “The Government regards the launch of IMAG as a highly commendable initiative,” Hinds said.