The Government on Saturday launched Radio Aishalton in Aishalton Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine.
The initiative was welcomed by residents who noted that it will play an important role in the lives of the young people of the village.
One resident, Rudolph George noted that he is particularly pleased with the decision to involve youths from the villages in the work of the new radio station adding that the launch signals Government’s commitment to inclusivity.
“This is a great improvement for us and we can listen to our radio from our homes. The persons who will be trained to work at the radio station is also great and we want to thank the Government for this. We feel very proud about this because now we can listen to the news, educational and religious programmes. Today I feel like we are not left behind but we are being uplifted,” Mr. George said.
Another resident of Aishalton, Rena LaRose said “having this radio is really exciting for me. Before you had been sitting and wondering what to do but this here has brought excitement and joy to my heart and our community where we can now have a way of learning. I think this would benefit the community a lot, the young people and the children.”
Delivering the feature address, President David Granger outlined that having access to information will help persons make informed choices.
“This radio station is going to assist not just in education alone but in democracy in Government. When I speak of public information, I speak of a public good. A public good is something that everyone can take away but it will not diminish or deprive someone else and the radio station is a public good,” he said.
He urged that the native languages of the target areas be used on the radio to ensure everyone benefits.
“You must be able to broadcast to the residents of the Rupununi in the languages of the Rupununi. In the north, you must be able to broadcast in Macushi, in the South you must be able to broadcast in Wapishana and in the deep south you must be able to broadcast in Wai Wai. People must be able to listen to programmes in their native language,” he urged.
Village Toshao, Douglas Casimero, in his remarks, said the initiative is one step in the direction of promoting equal rights.
“Thank you and indeed we are now going to bridge the gap between the coastland and the hinterland. Aishalton welcomes this. I would like to say that we are with you, Your Excellency, on the road to development that will help us to realise our potential,” he said.
Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock echoed these sentiments, noting that it is a momentous day, not only for the village but the Region.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Network (NCN), Enrico Woolford said that information is key to development and the organisation is pleased to be playing its role in the provision of this service.
“Now you can hear live and direct, how your elected officials are doing in the nation’s capital and you can hear from your regional and local representatives,” he told residents.
Coordinator, Dr. Rovin Deodat said, that the Government has been able to improve access to information for almost 90 percent of the country through the radio stations. (Extracted and Modified from the Ministry of the Presidency)
