– Minister McCoy on World Radio Day 2021

IN Guyana, radio remains the most widely consumed communication medium and its unique capacity to reach its audiences means radio can be leveraged to shape a society’s social and cultural fabric and identity, while being a catalytic medium through which democracy can evolve and thrive.
This is according to Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy in his message on the Occasion of World Radio Day 2021.

Minister McCoy, in recognition of this crucial reality and radio’s powerful potential, said that since 1992, successive PPP/Civic administrations have invested in the growth of this transformative broadcast medium to ensure its evolution and reach across the length and breadth of the country.
Through these consistent efforts, the subject minister said the Guyanese people are now able to access information and enjoy radio’s myriad offerings across the frequencies of 21 commercial radio channels and nine regional stations.

“Through our ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ budgetary allocations being presented and deliberated upon over the next few days in the National Assembly, your government will advance the sector’s growth further this year, as we continue to invest heavily in new technologies for improved transmission and reach, and the building of our human-resource capacity for better programming and delivery, in our quest to optimise radio’s full national potential,” Minister McCoy said.

These efforts, he said, will be anchored in government’s unwavering commitment to the universal principles of media freedom and citizens’ fundamental rights to information and freedom of expression.
Towards this end, Minister McCoy said Government has embarked on a strategic transformational agenda for the Fourth Estate, with the media at the front and centre of the change management and national development continuum.

SALUTE
“On this occasion of World Radio Day 2021, which recognises the central notions of evolution, innovation and connection that drive this medium, I join in UNESCO’s call on radio stations to reflect on these notions and celebrate our broadcasters, administrators, technicians and veterans of the sector, who keep us informed and entertained daily without tire,” he said.

McCoy noted that the government’s commitment is to ensure that radio remains a viable medium of information, communication and entertainment for all.

He underscored that the government, particularly the Public Affairs Division of the Office of the Prime Minister, joins with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and member states around the world to celebrate the 10th anniversary of WORLD RADIO DAY and the phenomenal broadcasters on all of the country’s radio stations.

“We pause today to recognise the trail-blazers, veterans, stalwarts and phenomenal broadcast personalities on the air and their enablers behind the scenes, in all our radio stations, who skilfully colour our daily experiences across this beautiful homeland of ours, from our waking breaths into each night cap, even keeping the company of those who must sojourn the nights as the rest of us sleep,” he said.
Through all seasons, he said the radio and broadcasters have been and remain a beacon of light, transmitting crucial information; entertaining listeners with music, culture, drama and topical talk; and, inspiring the faithful journey to fulfilling Guyanese destiny of oneness and prosperity.

Indeed, Minister McCoy said, “We in the government uphold and actively promote the tenets upon which this important observance was proclaimed by UNESCO and ratified by the United Nations General Assembly 10 years ago, to observe annually, that radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse.”
“On behalf of His Excellency President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali and the Cabinet, I wish you [a] Happy World Radio Day,” he added.