In an effort to tackle the communication challenges and address the awareness needs to keep Indigenous Communities informed about COVID-19, the United Nations and the IOM Guyana and Coordination Office for the Caribbean recently donated batteries valued GY$2.6M for the solar system at the BHI Youth Learning Centre to support the operation of Radio Paiwomak 97.1 FM, which broadcasts to the Rupununi.
The batteries that were donated – Photo Credit: GTA
Through the collaborative efforts of the UN, IOM, GTA, Wilderness Explorers, and Bina Hill, Radio Paiwomak 97.1 FM will now be able to extend their hours of operation from seven to 15 hours (06:00h to 21:00h).
As part of an on-going awareness campaign, the Guyana Tourism Authority has placed COVID-19 pre-recorded advisories encouraging individuals and businesses to adhere to the COVID-19 safety measures and protocols to keep their staff, families, and communities safe.
These advisories are currently being broadcast in the Wapishan and Makushi Indigenous languages on hinterland radio stations. A weekly call-in programme to share related updates is also slated to be launched shortly.
