Today, Kiskadee Watch formally joins the media landscape with the intent primarily to provide the public with the news that it needs on a daily basis and to serve as a watchdog for accountability in all parts of society.
Kiskadee Watch had its genesis in concerns that arose in the aftermath of the announcement on February 13th this year that Stabroek News would close after more than 39 years and its final edition would be on March 14 this year. A group of Guyanese here and overseas and others with interest in Guyana’s future mobilized themselves and begun to explore the possibility of financing the start up of a daily digital news offering with the prospect of a weekly printed edition later in the year.
A steering committee was formed and several rounds of meetings were held. Discussions revolved around the viability of such a medium and its long-term outlook, various financing models and public buy-in to this process.
A courageous decision was eventually taken to proceed with the venture and to roll out the operation in a compact manner with room to expand. This required observing the minutiae of incorporating and attendant matters such as mobilising a Taxpayer Identification Number and establishing an account with a commercial bank. Staff then had to be hired.
The major initial task was the construction of the website which would serve as the vehicle for the new medium and the required protections for it against cybercrime and malign players. This website is now up and running at www.kiskadeewatch.com and serves as the platform through which thousands of persons here and abroad can engage in vigorous examination and exchanges on matters that are important to the country and its future.
A deliberate decision was taken that all content will be freely available. This was done particularly in recognition that large swathes of Guyana’s citizenry can ill-afford to prioritize paying for news as they struggle each day with fulfilling the basic needs of their family unit. Now they also have an opportunity to engage on matters of interest to them without it burning a hole in their pockets.
Independent journalism is not something that exists in the abstract. Like any other important undertaking it requires investment and returns. In a geographically diverse environment like Guyana with a relatively large land mass there are significant transportation costs in addition to the need for competitive wages and equipment. The startup of Kiskadee Watch has relied on the generosity of those who believe in the importance of independent and credible media. Its sustainability will be assured immeasurably if all parts of society play their role in supporting this journey.
As stated earlier, Kiskadee Watch intends to deliver on a daily basis news that has been gathered in observance of the cardinal principles of journalism; trusted sources, accuracy in gathering facts and verification. It is not the easiest of undertakings in a climate where fear still muzzles people who should speak and the architecture for investigative reporting is flimsy to non-existent. Aside from the unwillingness to speak and strictures on public servants’ communication with the media, the Access to Information law does not work and whistleblower legislation is still to be activated. The government has adamantly refused to address the inanities surrounding the Office of the Commissioner of Information. The government itself also limits the release of information and there is much more it should be providing to the public through regular press conferences at many levels.
Holding those in authority accountable for their actions will be one of the primary missions of Kiskadee Watch. In the context of present-day Guyana this brings the government into sharp focus as it has control over the vast sums of oil revenues pouring into the country and responsibility for their careful management, the improvement of the living standards of particularly those at the poverty line and the protection of the environment and the global climate. Essentially the government has to adhere to the tenets of good governance. It is however not only the government which must be held accountable. The opposition, the private sector, civil society, local government, communities and the media also have to be accountable. It goes without saying that the standard of accountability applies equally to Kiskadee Watch. We must be accountable for our journalism, admit our failings and redress grievances. It is all part of the dedication to the mandate before us. Without independent journalism, democracy withers, atrophies and collapses under its weight.
In this 60th year of the country’s independence all Guyanese should assist in the fortifications of the freedoms that have been fought for over decades. Kiskadee Watch provides a voice through which this defence can be mounted and we have dedicated ourselves to this task.
Discussion