Pedalled by mischief makers…  PPP denounces ‘blatant half-truths’ on radio frequencies – allocations based on geography, not friendship

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has noted with deep concern, recent statements emanating from “certain misinformed political quarters and mischief makers” who are in the habit of spreading half-truths and distortions with respect to the assignment of radio frequencies.

In this regard, the Party said it has taken note of the persistent and wrongful accusations levelled against former President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, purporting that he “gave away Guyana’s patrimony” when he sought to approve spectrum space for radio broadcasts in Guyana.

The false accusation of “giving away to friends” needs to be addressed.

The PPP pointed out that approvals to broadcast via Radio were given to 10 persons or entities in 2011 after the passage of the Broadcasting Act 2011. Prior to this date the only entity broadcasting via Radio was NCN.

1. Alfro Alphonso – Essequibo Coast
2. R.S. Christie – Berbice
3. Haslyn Graham – Linden
4. Hits & Jams Entertainment – East Coast Demerara
5. Rudy Grant – Georgetown
6. Telcor Inc – Georgetown
7. Wireless Connections Inc – Georgetown
8. National Communications Network – Georgetown
9. New Guyana Company Ltd – Country wide
10. Radio Guyana Inc – Country wide

“With specific reference to Radio Guyana Inc. it should be noted that this approval was given in compliance of an order of Court in a matter that had been filed by Mr. Anthony Vieira prior to his selling his communications empire to Dr. Rangisinghi Ramroop,” the PPP stated.

It noted that Dr Ramroop is always referred to by the former President’s detractors as his ‘best friend’. “Well even Presidents deserve best friends, but the approval to operate a radio station given to Dr. Ramroop’s company was not given by virtue of friendship. Instead it was by virtue of a Court Order,” the PPP said.

It said one needs to look at the other nine (9) approvals and judge whether it is not geography rather than friendship which was taken into account.

According to the PPP, “Mr Anthony Vieira, truly one of the pioneers of Television Broadcasting in Guyana, notwithstanding how many copyright infringement laws he may have broken, now by his writings and utterings, seems to want his cake having already eaten it.”

Mr Vieira now wants to be recognised as an expert on technical matters regarding Guyana’ spectrum availability, misquoting the Chairman of the GNBA in the process.

“The truth is that Mr. Vieira sold his interests in broadcasting for a hefty sum of money and is now desperately trying to remain relevant in the area of broadcasting,” the PPP chided.

The party also denounced “these blatant half-truths and distortions of the facts” and calls upon Guyanese to reject the attempts by the mischief makers who waste no time to utilise every opportunity to throw dust in the eyes of the unsuspecting public.