PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds and Attorney General Anil Nandlall hosted a press conference Monday, at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown headquarters, to clarify misconceptions being promoted by some sections of society concerning the issuance of radio licences.

Responding to questions from the media, Mr. Hinds emphasised that a licence was granted to the owner of TVG/Guyana Times, Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop, through a legally binding agreement and not because of his friendship with former President Bharrat Jagdeo.
The Prime Minister stated that Ramroop had not even, initially, applied for a radio licence but that one was inherited by him following the purchase of VCT Channel 28 and all its assets a few years ago.
Hinds further pointed out that a number of additional applications for radio licences are, currently, before the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) and the process for those should be completed soon.
A reporter raised the issue of television licence for Linden, citing “equal opportunity for all”, which the Government continuously claims to advocate.
Mr. Nandlall responded by agreeing that a Government must treat every part of the society equally, stating that it is a mandate from the Constitution.
“We have to deal with this misnomer at Linden as a community…there are many other communities in Guyana that don’t have their own television station,” he added.
Nandlall went on to state that, as it relates to Linden, a committee has been established with officials from the Region and they are in constant active engagement with the Government.
He pointed out that one of the prominent issues on the agenda of that engagement is the issuance of a television licence and he has been informed that an application has been made.