The National Communications Network (NCN) celebrated the past, present, and future of Guyanese radio broadcasters and announcers in observance of World Radio Day 2026, under the theme: Radio and AI.

The network paid tribute to veteran icons and officially introduced its latest cohort of youth broadcasters and new announcers to the stage.

Awardees included Dr. Steve Surujbally, who has hosted Your Vet and Your Pet for over five decades; Marilyn Dewar, known for the Concert Favourites segment on Voice of Guyana; Virgil Harding, with 26 years on air at Paiwomak 97.1 Bina FM; and Dr. Rovin Deodat, whose Word to Word series has run for 35 years.

Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, encouraged young broadcasters to learn from the veterans and grow with evolving technology.

“I am looking forward to the expansion of this budding broadcasters program and why our young people must have various avenues to explore their skills and talent. And the understanding of the things that are good and that can contribute to their wholesome development,” he said.

The National Data Management Authority Manager, Christopher Deane stressed that radio remains a powerful medium.

“Radio has remained one of the most resilience and enduring forms of communications worldwide, despised technological advancements and no doubt competition from television, the internet social media, streaming platforms radio continues to hold relevance in societies globally,” he added.

NCN is the largest radio network in Guyana, operating 11 stations—three on the coast: Voice of Guyana, 98.1 FM, and Vybz 100.1; and eight in the hinterland including Radio Mabaruma, Radio Mahdia, Radio Bartica, Radio Orealla, Radio Aishalton, Radio Lethem, Radio Paiwomak in Annai, and Radio Essequibo.