Radio Paiwomak turns 25

The first community and Indigenous radio in Guyana, Radio Paiwomak turned 25 on September 19. Radio Paiwomak 97.1 FM, is Guyana’s first and only community radio station, proudly broadcasting from Bina Hill in the Annai district, North Rupununi, Region Nine. It was established on September 19, 2000, with the mission to preserve and promote Amerindian culture; educate and inform local communities, and foster communication across the Rupununi region.
Radio Paiwomak was a critical communication lifeline for communities when it started and has evolved, now partnering with National Communications Network (NCN) and Iwokrama, the latter which described itself as proud to partner with the project from the inception.
Iwokrama congratulated the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and Radio Paiwomak on the success and positive impact on community development on its birthday.
Thanks to the installation of solar panels and high-powered batteries, it serves almost all the North Rupununi communities including Annai, Wowetta, Rupertee, Surama,Apoteri and beyond.
It continues to offer a rich mix of content, including school/children’s story time; Amerindian stories and Makushi language features; Health features; an Eye on the Environment programme; Youth Vision, Village Talk, and Farmers’ Corner; road safety tips and news.
The station, on its birthday, saluted some of the voices that have become familiar across the North Rupununi over the decades, including Virgil Harding, Adam Nash, Ellen Davis, Mike Williams, Rocky VanLang, and Paul Nash.
The station is reported to be run by volunteers and community members, with support from NCN; the NRDDB; along with support from Iwokrama and UNESCO.
The name Paiwomak is a symbolic blend of Pakaraima, Iwokrama, and Makaranpan – three mountain ranges that represent the heart of the region it serves.