Ahead of its February 2019 implementation, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has once again emphasised the need for broadcasters to comply within the timeframe set out in the Persons with Disabilities Act 2012 that makes provisions for the inclusion of sign language or subtitles.
Chapter 36:05 Section 26 (1), (2) of the Act stipulates that (1) within 10 years of the coming into operation of this Act or a later date that the Minister may prescribe, the person in charge of every national television station shall provide a sign language inset or subtitles in at least one newscast programme daily and special
GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers
programmes covering events of national significance.
Further, (2) any person who fails to comply with subsection one (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The GNBA in a statement issued on Thursday stressed its firm commitment to the development of a broadcasting landscape which makes provision for all Guyanese, irrespective of their differences. It was after the Authority’s Stakeholder Engagement and Christmas Luncheon, on December 14, 2018 that Board Chairman Leslie Sobers announced that the GNBA would have been placing emphasis on creating “an accessible broadcasting environment for all, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities.”
Sobers had pointed out that the Board which he heads would be focusing on ‘levelling the playing field’, through equal access to information and/or broadcast content for all citizens. “GNBA is cognisant of the need for equality and the rights of those persons with particular needs, who find it onerous to understand what is being broadcast on television. The implementation of closed captioning or sign language will essentially alleviate many of the challenges experienced by persons with hearing impairment,” Sobers indicated.
The Authority urged broadcasters to put themselves in order as part of their social responsibility. It had been explained by the Chairman that all broadcasters should be compliant by 2022 in keeping with the 10 year-period.
Sobers had noted that about 50,000 people comprise Guyana’s persons with disabilities population. Of this population, he had outlined that 9.1 per cent or 4406 people suffer from hearing impediment. Moreover 30 per cent or 14,525 persons, he noted, suffer from visual impairment.
Guyana Times had reported that the GNBA had not consulted with local broadcasters on the matter; with some saying they were not even aware of any such law and would have sought legal advice.
