Radio Paiwomak, Guyana’s first-ever community radio station, is celebrating 24 years of dedicated service to the North Rupununi region.
Established on September 19, 2000, in collaboration with Iwokrama, UNESCO, the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), and the North Rupununi Development Board, the station has become an essential source of information and entertainment for the community.
Veteran broadcaster Virgil Harding, who has been with Radio Paiwomak since its inception, reflected on the station’s profound impact on the North Rupununi community.
Broadcasting 15 hours daily, from sunrise to sunset, Radio Paiwomak has expanded its role from simply delivering news to becoming a platform for entertainment, cultural expression, and community engagement.
Named after the three majestic mountain ranges that surround the area—the South Pakaraimas, the Iwokrama range, and the Makarapan Mountains—Radio Paiwomak has grown from a modest operation with a 12-volt transmitter covering a 19-mile radius to a more robust 1000-watt transmitter, significantly extending its reach thanks to support from UNESCO and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB).
Over the years, the station has played a critical role in the daily lives of residents, not only delivering essential information but also bridging communication gaps in emergencies. Harding recounted moments when the station facilitated urgent responses, highlighting its importance beyond entertainment.
Looking forward, Radio Paiwomak plans to further expand its broadcast capabilities to include Fair View village within the Iwokrama rainforest.
This expansion will involve developing approach boosters and related systems to enhance the station’s reach, ensuring that even the most remote areas of North Rupununi stay connected.
Radio Paiwomak continues to be a vital voice for the community, providing a platform that brings people together through news, music, and cultural content, making it an integral part of life in North Rupununi.