Gov’t committed to press freedom

President Donald Ramotar (fifth from left) and staff of Little Rock Radio 88.5FM in New Amsterdam, Berbice (GINA photo)

President Donald Ramotar stressed government’s commitment to maintain press freedom gains as he delivered the feature address to mark the launch of Berbice’s first radio station on Saturday night, in Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), President Ramotar congratulated the proprietors of Little Rock Radio 88.5FM, Rockcliffe and Pearl Christie for their “pioneering role” and multimillion dollar investment. Stating that he felt very comfortable with the ownership of the new station, President Ramotar said that radio must have a developmental role as Guyana is a developing country. He stressed however that while radio can be used for good purposes, it can also be used negatively.

The president referred to several key issues such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, Budget cuts and the Anti-Money Laundering Bill which he said were adversely affected by the political opposition’s stance. He said that radio must be used to keep persons informed. “More information is