“Government will leave no stone unturned in the evolution of the media” – Min. McCoy

– launches new media outlet in Linden

Hon. Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, says Government will leave no stone unturned in the evolution of the media to ensure the public’s right to information is safeguarded.

The Public Affairs Minister was speaking at the launch of the new print and online news outlet in Region 10 – INFO 10 Media.

Minister McCoy said there is a place for journalism and entrepreneurship in the management of information.

He added that Sunday’s event was a significant milestone, and that the step taken by entrepreneur and award-winning journalist, Mrs. Vanessa Braithwaite-Moore adds to the media landscape.

“Today we celebrate one such groundbreaking press freedom event which marks the beginning of a bold entrepreneurial project that seeks to marry the rewarding elements of business with those of journalism.”

Minister McCoy also noted the pivotal role of the media in today’s society. He referred to the March 2 General and Regional Elections where journalists worked tirelessly to keep the world up to date with the aftermath of the polls.

“We must redouble our efforts to remain actively engaged in the patriotic efforts to safeguard democracy itself and the integrity of the most sacred arm of our governance structure – the fourth estate. We must uphold and defend their freedom to investigate, write, publish and broadcast truths, whatever those truths are and wherever they will lead.”

Minister McCoy said the news media remains vibrant and Guyana’s democracy secure because of past and present stalwarts in the profession.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Braithwaite-Moore noted that INFO 10 Media’s first monthly newspaper will be available for purchase from Tuesday. She said the newspaper has dedicated an entire section to small business promotion.

“During this pandemic period, we have seen scores of small businesses being established by our young people. We will use our platforms to promote these businesses and to make the necessary representation for them to benefit from government and private incentives.”

Mrs. Braithwaite-Moore earned the Young Journalist of the Year Award back in 2018.

Mrs. Svetlana Marshall-Abrams, executive member of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), encouraged the agency to remain grounded, to pride itself in fairness and accuracy and to apply the basic tenets of the profession to its work.

“This is the only way to win the commitment of citizens interested in unbiased news,” she said. Mrs. Marshall-Abrams congratulated Mrs. Braithwaite-Moore and team, adding that the GPA has full confidence in her leadership.