A new media body has been launched, and it has promised to raise the standards of the media in Guyana.
The Independent Media Association of Guyana (IMAG) was unveiled at the Roraima Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown late on Friday, 23 September before a group of media workers, media proprietors, and members of the diplomatic corps.
A group of media workers at the launch of IMAG
Coordinator of the new entity, Christopher Holder, explained that a core mandate of IMAG is to collaborate with media houses in promoting professional and ethical standards, and safeguarding and promoting the rights and privileges of all media workers, not only journalists.
“IMAG’s only goal is to raise the standards of all aspects of media in Guyana. It has no axe to grind, and will fairly and professionally execute its core mandate,” Holder, a media worker for two decades, declared.
The organisation, he said, will respect and promote freedom of information, media freedom, and the independence of the media in Guyana.
IMAG’s known members are drawn from the state media, but the entity says it will also protect and advance the interests of media workers at the national, regional and international levels through the exchange of information, training, and other necessary interventions.
In outlining another component of IMAG’s core mandate, Holder said that IMAG also intends to promote greater understanding of media issues through research, seminars and conferences. The entity will promote collaboration with organisations with similar media interests locally and abroad.
IMAG has attracted the support of UNESCO, an organisation that has been supportive of many media-related activities.
In fact, UNESCO is a funding agency for Radio Paiwomak in the North Rupununi.
Representing that organisation at Friday’s official launching, Inge Nathoo spoke of the role of the media and its right to expression.
She stated that UNESCO is willing and ready to partner with IMAG in order to fulfill that entity’s mandate.
Acting President Samuel Hinds also delivered remarks at the cocktail launching of IMAG. Hinds said he is pleased at the creation of such an organisation, and believes that it will serve a good purpose. The newly-formed organisation wants to immediately facilitate training for journalists ahead of the 2011 general and regional elections. Prominent among its plans is the hosting of annual media awards, to give outstanding media workers due recognition.
IMAG is an initiative which started about a year ago. It rivals the existing Guyana Press Association (GPA), headed by Capitol News’ editor and anchor Gordon Moseley.
