Radio Lethem’s First Year

Georgetown, Guyana,Tuesday, May 23, 2017 – On May 22, one year ago, today, Radio Lethem 95.1 FM, was officially launched.

When I pulled the switched it to go on air that day, history was created in Region 9 and Guyana. For the first time our Indigenous people in Lethem and nearby hinterland areas were tuned in to what was happening in Guyana. I know that there have been disruptions due to unreliable power supply, especially at Mabaruma but efforts are being made to provide alternative electricity to Radio Mabaruma.

For the first time, we extended the reach of broadcast, via state radio, to Lethem and Mabaruma. Soon we will take radio broadcast to Bartica, Mahdia, Orealla and Aishalton.

At the same time, our Coalition Government has renovated Radio Piawomak, and is encouraging communication in indigenous languages. Eventually, a two-way communication will take place and we will start to carry news from hinterland areas, not only about indigenous peoples but from the mining community, the forestry community and from agricultural areas.

Hinterland radio will help to boost culture, sports and business to bridge the gap between the coastland and the hinterland. In this regard, our Government will increase training of journalists and broadcasters from among youths in hinterland areas and equip them to produce local programmes for all regional extension radio stations. We are also looking at the use of satellite to provide in the future, television services to hinterland locations.

The Coalition Government sees all Guyanese as one in spite of geographical differences. As Prime Minister, with responsibility for information and broadcasting, I will spare no efforts to ensure that you enjoy similar access to news, information, entertainment and education as Guyanese elsewhere.

For now, I congratulate the National Communications Network (NCN) and the local staff on the occasion of the first birthday of Radio Lethem!