… This is part of our national obligation – CEO

NEWLY appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Communications Network (NCN) Molly Rampersaud-Hassan believes their recent acquisition of the rights to broadcast the June 12 – July 31 FIFA Brazil 2014 World Cup is the company’s obligation to the people of Guyana. A release recently from NCN stated that the procurement of the terrestrial, cable and satellite broadcast rights from Caribbean Broadcast Rights holder; International Media Content Ltd (IMC Ltd), makes them the only authorised broadcaster for all FIFA World Cup 2014 contents, before and during the games, including promotional materials.
According to NCN CEO Rampersaud-Hassan, “It is an investment, a significant investment and NCN sees this as part of our national obligation, to bring to the Guyanese public the FIFA 2014 games coming out of Brazil, so across the length and breadth of Guyana, Guyanese can now view the games and we can all share in the excitement.”
The company also sees bringing the FIFA World Cup 2014 as an important aspect of its social responsibility, in ensuring Guyanese enjoy the experience of this world class quadrennial tournament, taking place in our backyard.
Marketing Manager of NCN, Raymond Azeez, said that NCN has not sub-let the rights to any other television station.
“In terms of cable and direct TV, NCN will be looking at that, because we do understand that people in their homes should have a choice, but for anyone outside of the legal framework trying to pirate or take a feed of the FIFA world cup, there will be some legal implications. So I want to advise other networks and viewers at large not to breach this contract, since it can lead to our losing the broadcast rights and ultimately the Guyanese public losing the opportunity to see the games.” Azeez said
With Coca Cola being one of the game’s biggest sponsors at the FIFA World Cup, Troy Peters, Communications Director of Banks DIH, franchise holder of Coca Cola in Guyana, expressed delight at NCN’s bold investment to bring the world’s most popular sport to the Guyanese household.
“Like Coca Cola, we are very much pleased to be associated with the World Cup Football 2014. Coca Cola is one of the longest corporate partners of the World Cup Football.
“I know that not a lot of people will be able to travel to Brazil, but with the kind of coverage being done by NCN, all Guyanese can benefit (and) we are totally behind NCN in this endeavour.” Peters noted.
Apart from the airing of the games, NCN said that there are a number of other promotional activities that will be taking place on its Radio and TV, including a high-energy, interactive and analytical programme, to be hosted by UK-based Football analyst Faizal Khan and Sports Journalist Isaiah Chappelle on Saturdays from 15:30hrs, starting on May 31.