– government promises five more public radio stations

By Navendra Seoraj
THE movement of information remains important, especially for Guyanese to make informed choices, and in recognising this, government has established “Radio Essequibo” at Anna Regina.

This new facility adds to six regional radio stations that have been established across the country since the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition assumed office in 2015. “It is painful to go into some places and villages in the hinterland and you are struck by the silence. No radio, no television, no sound at all, some of these communities have no newspapers and telephones,” said President David Granger during the launch of Radio Essequibo, on Wednesday.

He said government’s objective is to ensure that there is equality from the east to the west of Essequibo. The President said there must be no dividing line in Guyana between the poor and rich, everyone must be equal. His belief is that everyone must enjoy the same level of service and in that regard, government had implemented regional broadcasting to do just that.

The regional broadcasting programme has reached almost every capital town and it was necessary, considering the size and potential of those regions. President Granger said, in establishing these systems, the coalition administration is upholding its constitutional duty of ensuring citizens enjoy freedom to receive and transmit information.

“Anna Regina is a gem, it has its own banks, stores, schools, fire and police stations and all amenities and it only fitting that we should launch a major communication system in the town,” said President Granger, adding that the station will add to the celebrations of the town during its 50th Anniversary year.

He said such initiatives are important for regionalisation and adds to efforts such as the decentralisation of the police divisions to each region, and the expansion of the courts. The President believes that such changes will make Guyana a more equal society, where there is no more “bush” or “backdam” but just Guyanese who are entitled to every service.
“We will continue to extend the regional broadcasting services so Guyanese will access these services…it will not only be in the hinterland capital towns, but also in the coastal capital towns,” said President Granger, adding that the initiative will also revive the local culture.

The radio stations will transmit the culture of various communities and villages across Guyana. Just last year, government started a programme on Indigenous languages in Aishalton.

MAKING THE NATION MORE DIVERSE
In touching on the same point, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the radio stations allow Indigenous communities to share their music, poetry and art forms, and this contributes to making the nation more diverse. “Our radio today is forming part of integrating people and promoting social cohesion among the people of Guyana,” said the prime minister, adding that through Radio Essequibo, persons from Akawini, Moshabo, Wakapow, Buck Hall, Wakenaam, Leguan and other communities will be connected.

The communication system and radio system must be devoted to enriching the minds of every Guyanese and giving an increased sense of appreciation for the country.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo believes that each region has a story to tell, and this is evident from the stations which were commissioned before in Mabarum, Mahdia, Bartica, Orealla, Lethem and Aishalton.

“Listen to the broadcast out of these regions, where people call in with things to sell and say where you can get them…sun-dried tomatoes, peanut butter and other local products are coming out of the local market and the radio is a means by which we can create volumes of production because we are creating markets,” he said.

This will also apply to the new station at Anna Regina, said the prime minister, noting that there will also be educational programmes such as the debate series hosted by veteran Broadcaster, Dr. Rovin Deodat. “We have noticed the benefits of the regional system and we hope that in the new term, we could complete five more of these stations to ensure you have an even spread,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo. Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Communications Network (NCN), Enrico Woolford, said NCN, being the organisation that is coordinating the regional broadcasting effort, has been expanding the country’s public broadcasting service.

He said radio stations have been built out, television stations have been built out and content is moving. NCN has also been rebranding and reforming radio, television and its online presence.

“NCN has started the process of change…we intend to revitalise this sector in this land because a successful nation is built on the movement of information…we must be informed to make informed decisions,” said Woolford.