Gov’t plans to improve hinterland access to radio – Granger

Paiwomak, the only indigenous radio station in Guyana is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary come September 19th, 2015 and there is a plan to expand its reach in the hinterland.

GINA said that President David Granger in an invited comment, said that the government is looking to improve the quality of communication throughout the hinterland community.  He stated that, “Government knows the importance of that radio (Paiwomak) but wants to make sure that the national radio gets down to all communities.”

Granger also disclosed that government has plans to place more radio transmitters and possibly more stations so that all citizens have equal access to the media.

Also speaking on the topic was Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, who described Radio Paiwomak as, “A wonderful bridge between the communication systems in Guyana.” The minister pointed out that there will always be a need for radio Paiwomak as communication is necessary for all indigenous people. He referred to programs to help students and also residents learn about current affairs.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams, said “On our last visit to Region Nine, they were doing a very good job in terms of educating the young children by telling stories”.

She further noted that the station lacked some modern technical equipment that would be needed to improve their transmission to Region Nine and Guyana as a whole.