NCN on Sunday re-launched channels 8 and 13 at Linden with greater transmitting capacity and upgraded production and broadcast facilities, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

The channels had become inoperable in August 2006 when fire damaged the National Communications Network (NCN) Richmond Hill transmitting station. NCN’s transmitting location has now been centralized at Watooka with the installation of a new tower and a transmitter. Both channels will be powered by a 230-foot tower.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds opened the new station in the presence of Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, NCN’s Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Sattaur, Production Manager Martin Goolsarran, Editor-in-Chief Michael Gordon, representatives of the LINMINE Secretariat, regional officials and residents. In his address, Hinds challenged NCN to work towards expanding its signal to other parts of the country such as the hinterland. He also lauded NCN’s highlighting of development countrywide. Alluding to criticisms of NCN being able to expand while others are curtailed, the prime minister said, “We have an agreement that we will work toward having a broadcast law under which the rules would be set for private sector involvement and expansion of broadcasting in Guyana so we are constantly working to establish a greater link across our country.”

Having served in the bauxite industry for over 35 years, Hinds spoke of the significant growth of bauxite, timber processing, agriculture and commercial enterprises in the town. He said Linden is seen as the gateway to some parts of the interior and he encouraged NCN to play a greater role in the town.

The transport minister also encouraged NCN to move to greater heights. Benn said although he is happy to have the channels up and running again, “we now have to look to having new channels, maybe with the help of corporate citizens within the community because I think there is a great deficit of information that the community needs.”

According to GINA “Channel 8 has been serving a semi-national purpose through its contribution to local culture and sports.” Sattaur said the reopening of the station is part of NCN’s commitment to providing information to Linden. He said reviving the signal was not smooth sailing as it required major rewiring and tower erection at Watooka as well as two transmitters.