Interpreters’ role in growth, development highlighted during International Translation Day event

Tagman Media recently hosted its Live Language Demos and Mixer at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown to mark the United Nations’ (UN) International Translation Day.

The UN designated September 30 each year as International Translation Day, a day meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security. The highlight of the event was the participation of Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, who engaged directly with Tagman Media Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alex Graham during the live demonstration. Ally acknowledged the vital role of interpreters and other language professionals in fostering cross-cultural understanding, preserving linguistic diversity, and enabling global dialogue. Speaking at the end of the demonstration, Ally stated that, “interpreters are not just carrying words across languages, they are carrying trust, building bridges, and ensuring Guyana’s voice is heard clearly in the world.” He also commended Tagman Media for its leadership in this field, adding, “by investing in the people and technology that make communication possible, Tagman Media is helping Guyana not only to be heard, but also to listen and respond more effectively to its partners. That is how true dialogue and stronger international relationships are built.”
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Jean Njeri Kamau, emphasised the alignment of translation services with the UN’s global mission, noting:
“The United Nations’ mandate is set on Leaving No One Behind, and we see translation services as a medium to bridge the gaps between inequality and injustice. Such events help to promote the message of peace and inclusivity amongst diverse populations.” She added that she looked forward to future hostings of similar sessions that showcase the value of translation and interpretation in promoting inclusivity and dialogue in Guyana and beyond.
The event brought together an audience that included the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Roxane George, Justice of Appeal Nareshwar Harnanan, and members of the court’s technical teams from the Information Technology (IT) Department and the Court Reporting Unit. Senior representatives from the diplomatic community were also present, among them the IDB Country Representative in Guyana Lorena Solorzano Salazar, the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Ernesto Torres-Pereyra, and Rui Huang, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy, accompanied by other members of the Embassy staff. They were joined by representatives of the Indian High Commission, the CARICOM Secretariat, and members of the private sector and business organisations, including the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana.
Throughout the day, many participants expressed the growing need for professional interpretation services in Guyana and the wider Caribbean, as well as the importance of the advanced technology that was demonstrated. Tagman Media showcased the Televic Confidea G3 Wireless system, Lingua Interpreter Desks, and UNITE Digital Bodypack Receivers, giving participants first-hand experience of the same technologies trusted at international summits and high-level diplomatic meetings worldwide. Alex Graham, CEO of Tagman Media, reinforced this point, noting, “As Guyana takes on a larger role in regional and global affairs, professional interpretation services are no longer optional, they are essential.”