Dear Editor,
I wish to suggest to President David Granger that his administration revive the concept of Development Support Communication (DSC) as part of its development strategy. If my memory is correct, this approach was developed and implemented in Guyana by a team of skilled communicators including Frank Campbell, Kit Nascimento, Victor Forsythe and Lloyd Searwar in the 1970s.
Development Support Communication refers to the use of communication to facilitate social and economic development. DSC engages stakeholders and policy-makers, establishes conducive environments, assesses risks and opportunities and promotes information exchanges to bring about positive changes via sustainable development. It involves information dissemination and education, behaviour change, social marketing, social mobilisation, media advocacy, communication for social change and community participation.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), DSC also involves understanding people, their beliefs and values and the social and cultural norms that shape their lives. It includes engaging communities and listening to adults and children as they identify problems, propose solutions and act upon them.
Some of the journalists/reporters who implemented this development strategy are still around, meaning that they can be reached in minutes via text, email or facebook. I am sure writers such as Sandra Seeraj, George Alleyne, Colin King, Lloyd Conway, Arnon Adams, Adam Harris, Louis Kilkenny and Tangerine Clarke will be willing to lend their expertise.
The Ministry of Information was the lead organization and District Youth Officers, Regional Information Officers and Sports Officers compiled and published information on activities in different parts of Guyana.
This is a very measurable programme which can reinvigorate hinterland development.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Walcott
