THE David Granger administration, by simply implementing the requirements of the constitution, continues to deliver on its promise of equal access to services to all Guyanese.

Article 146 (1) provides that, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference; freedom to receive ideas and information without interference; and freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference. Government, by keeping its word and giving effect to that constitutional mandate, continues to improve the quality of life of all citizens. The ongoing establishment of hinterland radio stations is concrete evidence of that fact.

In 2015, Radio Paiwomak was the only indigenous radio station operating in Guyana. On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of that South Rupununi station in September of that year, President Granger said that government intends to improve the quality of

communication throughout the hinterland. He emphasised that, “Government knows the importance of radio, but wants to make sure that the national radio gets down to all communities.” The president also revealed that government plans to activate more radio transmitters and stations, so that all citizens may have equal access to the media. The president has kept his word.

In May 2016, Radio Lethem went on the air in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, followed by Radio Mabaruma in June in Barima-Waini. Radio Aishalton in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo began broadcasting in February 2017, and Radio Mahdia in Potaro-Siparuni, and Radio Bartica in Cuyuni-Mazaruni started operating in October and November respectively.

In April of last year, Radio Orealla switched on. Prior to the recent developments, the 113,000 Guyanese residing in Guyana’s interior had neither ready access to news and information, nor any easy way to market their products or share information within and among their communities; many hinterland residents said that they felt as though they were not even a part of Guyana. Fortunately, that saddening state of affairs is now being corrected.

President Granger’s determination to improve all facets of the quality of life of all Guyanese has been demonstrated. His Excellency explained how radio service will contribute to that goal if it is used responsibly.

At the launch of Radio Aishalton, the President said, “You have a right to receive information in a form that is comprehensible to you. I looked at the man next to me while the national anthem was being sung in Wapishana and I looked at his lips to see if he was singing along. I make no joke; yesterday I was at the village of Whitewater and a number of children could not go to school. They are of the Warrau nation and they speak no English — the teachers speak no Warrau, so they are mutually unintelligible to one another. As President, I cannot have that; I have to solve the problem. So, it means that here you must be able to broadcast to the residents of the Rupununi in the languages of the Rupununi of which I think there are three, if not four. In the north you must be able to broadcast in Macushi; in the south you must be able to broadcast in Wapishana and eventually, in the deep south, you must be able broadcast in Wai-Wai.

“In other areas you may have to broadcast in Patamona and in other areas you may have to broadcast in English, but people must be able to listen to programmes in their native language and that is one of the challenges of our public radio system that we are creating. And this radio system too, apart from the practical and technical aspects of communications, must adopt the professional ethics of journalism, of radio broadcasting; that is, they must adhere to the standards of objectivity and social responsibility and they must avoid vulgarity.”

At the commissioning ceremony for Radio Bartica, President Granger made clear that, “Public information means that it is serving the people. The people must know what is going on in their community to vote, or make decisions. They have a right to information; information must not be treated as some preserve of a small clique or group, or else the people will not be able to make informed decisions.”

The president noted that radio is an essential outlet for culture, language, education, and entertainment.
His Excellency reminded broadcasters that they have the responsibility to be “accurate and truthful.” He iterated that radio-presenters must always be aware of the importance of social cohesion because, “This is a work in progress and we have to continue believing and accepting and unless we work to make social cohesion a reality, it will slip by, and we [may] become divided.”

Radio has played a key role in Guyana’s developmental history. More senior Guyanese who lived in the city will fondly remember Radio Demerara, founded in 1951, and the British Guiana Broadcasting Service (BGBS) established in 1958. After independence, the stations were acquired by government and the Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS) was born. Eventually, the two stations were combined to become the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). Elders can attest to the fact that the availability of information via radio played a large part in coastal development and President Granger agrees; in his words, “Without information, there would be no development.” It is, therefore, time that the hinterland be allowed to catch up.

Considering the diversity and beauty of indigenous culture, the introduction of hinterland radio stations is most welcome. As Guyanese, all citizens should have the ability, means, and opportunity to share their ideas, market their products, advertise their services, and exchange information. Everyone is entitled to the opportunity of a good life.