GUYANA

AT A GLANCE
Head of Government: President Bharrat Jagdeo 
Next election:  2011
Capital: Georgetown
Population:  772,298
Independence:  1966 from the UK
Human Development Index (HDI): 110th out of 179 countries
Gender Gap Index (GGI): N/A, but gender-related development index is 94th out of 157 countries
Gross National Index (GNI) per capita: US$1,300

Strengthening Media Governance

Status: Operational
Local Organization: The Guyana Press Association (GPA)
Canadian Expert: Ian Alexander
Article: Good Media Governance: A Solid Foundation for Democratic Development by Ian Alexander, appeared in Public Sector Management magazine in 2009
Presentation: Media Governance and Democratic Development: A Case Study from Guyana by Ian Alexander

Guyana is a small Eastern Caribbean state on the mainland of South America.  Key governmental, non-governmental and industry stakeholders have recognized the need to improve the state of media governance in the country.  As part of the CIDA-funded Deployment for Democratic Development (DDD), the Guyana Press Association (GPA) is working closely with Canadian expert on media governance Ian Alexander, who has held two rounds of meetings with media house owners and operators, working journalists, regulators, educators, political figures, civil society groups and others to renew momentum towards industry organization, self-regulation and improved professional standards and practices.  These consultations are helping to address outstanding gaps and achieve consensus on emerging common interests.  Options for the creation of a revitalized Guyana Media Association and an expanded Media Code of Conduct have been tabled.  Next steps include workshops to discuss detailed implementation, and to review proposals and priorities for enabling legislation and regulation.  Canada is also facilitating closer co-operation with local representatives of UNDP, USAID, DFID