Regional radio stations contributed to more democratic village elections – PM Nagamootoo
The newly established radio stations played an important role in broadcasting information about candidates and the results of the recently held 178 village elections. Playing an integral role in the campaign process and announcement of results were the community radio stations in Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia, Paiwomak, Lethem, Aishlaton and Orealla.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo noted that the stations played an important role in the elections in the indigenous villages and would have served and continue to serve communities. The Prime Minister also stated that the radio stations “reflect the pride, culture and way of life of the communities they represent and transmit to.”
Village council elections were held from May 15 to June 15. Those persons elected will now represent the 215 villages at the upcoming National Toshaos Councils (NTC) conference to be held from July 16 to 20.
In a telephone interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock echoed similar views that the radio stations played a great role in the recently concluded elections. He pointed out that with the information disseminated through the radio stations “provided the residents a better opportunity in selecting their leaders rather than following a political line that would have occurred before”.
Minister Allicock noted too that the stations are “filling the gap that was there, by linking hinterland communities with the coast.”
President David Granger, on assuming office, gave the directive to ensure that hinterland communities were connected to the coastland. He declared that “Radio is important …to remind us of who we are, Guyanese, irrespective of our ethnicity. We are first and foremost Guyanese and our Guyana all 83,000 square miles belongs to us.”
The Radio Stations are equipped to relay transmission of National Communications Network’s (NCN) “Voice of Guyana- 102.5FM” to its listeners, keeping them informed about current affairs, news, sports, and general developments in Guyana and around the world.
Source: Department of Public Information (DPI)
