Deep South Rupununi hits the airwaves
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 17, 2018
As the government continues to bring the hinterland communities on stream with what is happening in the rest of Guyana, the establishment of community radio stations which serve as the bridge that closes the gap between the coastland and the interior region continues.
H.E. David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Toshao of Aishalton unveil the plague for Radio Aishalton. Also in photo is Sydney Allicock, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hasting-Williams, along with other officials.
Following the establishment of a station in Lethem, Central Rupununi the government today officially launched another station in Aishalton in the Deep South of the Rupununi
Equipped with the latest technology in radio broadcasting, $45M Radio Aishalton is fully powered. It not only serves residents of Aishalton but also the residents of Shea, Maruranau, Awaurewaunau, Karaudarnau, Achawib, Parabara, Masakenari, Bashauzon and Churikadnau.
Officially commissioning the station, President David Granger noted that having a regional public broadcast system in each administrative region further integrates all aspects of the country. The Head of State said the Government believes that no citizen of the country should be lacking in public information.
“You should not be wanting for public information, and this radio station is going to assist not only with education alone or information alone but in democracy and government. When I speak of public information, I speak of a public good and what is a public good, it is something that everyone can take away but it will not diminish or it will not deprive someone else from enjoying that good and that is what a public good is.”
Also present at the commissioning today was Toshao of Aishalton, Douglas Casimero, remarked that Radio Aishalton serves as a demonstration of positive collaboration between the administration and the local leaders.
“This positive level of energy of cooperation, professionalism and respect shown to us is one that forms a model for a result-based working relationship between local village leadership, government and other organisations as well,” Toshao Casimero said.
Residents of Aishalton and surrounding communities gathered for the commissioning of Radio Aishalton.
Also delivering brief remarks was Enrico Woolford, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NCN, who acknowledged that the challenges with the flow of information, particularly from North to South in Guyana, have begun to change.
Woolford said, “Now you can hear as Guyanese live and direct how your elected officials are doing in the capital and you can hear from your regional and local representatives as the information and communications sector of which broadcasting is an integral part grows and develops in this country. NCN has already started the process of change as you can hear and see.”
Also at today’s launch Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkhan, Minister of Public Service Dawn Hastings-Williams, Toshaos from surrounding villages, regional officials and representatives from other organisations.
Other radio station established and launched in the three years of the Coalition government include Radio Lethem, (Region Nine)in May 2016 (Region One); Radio Maburama, in June 2016; Radio Mahdia, (Region Eight) on October 8, 2017 and recently Radio Bartica (Region Seven) on November 17, 2017.
Stations that are in the pipeline to be established and commissioned in 2018 include Radio Orealla in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six).
By: Gabreila Patram
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