THE 2026 cohort of the Guyana Media and Communication Academy (GMCA) on Friday completed its three-month classroom training programme and is now preparing to enter the next phase of its development through internships at media houses across Guyana.
The milestone was marked with an interactive final session that immersed students in a professional production environment, complete with a fully equipped studio, practical videography exercises, role-playing activities, and hands-on production training.
The final module was facilitated by international producer and media consultant, Dexter Pembroke, who exposed participants to industry-standard production techniques and best practices. Students were given the opportunity to apply skills learned during the programme in a dynamic setting designed to mirror real-world media operations.

The session also featured a celebratory atmosphere as students performed the newly introduced GMCA theme song, symbolising the camaraderie, shared experiences, and sense of identity cultivated throughout the three-month programme.
Addressing the cohort, Minister of Information and Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, encouraged the aspiring media professionals to uphold high standards as they embark on their careers.
He urged them to pursue excellence, maintain discipline, and demonstrate professionalism as they enter newsrooms and communication institutions across the country.
Minister McCoy also commended the leadership of the academy, particularly National Coordinator Marcia Hope, for her role in ensuring the successful delivery of the programme.
He highlighted Hope’s contributions in curriculum development, facilitator coordination, student mentorship, and overall programme management, describing her efforts as instrumental to the success of the training cycle.
The graduates will now spend six weeks undertaking internships at both state-owned and privately owned media organisations, where they will gain practical newsroom experience and further develop the skills acquired during classroom training.
The internship component is designed to bridge the gap between academic instruction and professional practice, providing participants with valuable exposure to the demands and realities of the media industry.
The GMCA programme continues to serve as a structured pathway for developing a new generation of skilled, work-ready media and communication professionals, contributing to the growth and strengthening of Guyana’s media landscape.