A Pillar We Cannot Afford to Lose: The Case for Stabroek News

stabroeknews.com. You can also post comments, and manage your email subscription. ... # SN would be an invaluable source of historical information for future generations of Guyanese By Stabroek News March 1, 2026 [ ... In a few days from now, the printing press will be silenced and the Stabroek News will become an essential part of Guyana’s historical records. The Stabroek News has been Guyana’s preeminent post independence national newspaper and ... editors/publisher for publishing my many letters over the years. In this piece, I take a look at the background against which the paper was launched and the commitment to public affairs, democracy, and press freedom of the paper’s founder, Mr David de Caires. At the time of Guyana’s independence in 1966, the country had two national daily newspapers, the Guyana Chronicle and the Guyana Graphic. The Guyana Chronicle, a more politically biased, right wing paper was owned by Mr Peter D’Aguiar, ... The Ambassador’s words were prescient. By the mid 1980s all national elections since independence were rigged to keep ... opponents, including assassination of WPA’s leader, Dr Walter Rodney in June 1980. The economy was in shambles and malnutrition was prevalent. Judicial decisions were tainted in favour of the government and press freedom was curtailed. Importation of newsprint by non government entities was restricted and radio was under government control. It should be noted that Stabroek News’ launch in 1986 predates Government’s television broadcasting service which started as GTV in 1988. That was the background against which the Stabroek News was launched. The origin is reported in the article “30th anniversary of Stabroek News” (Stabroek News, November 21, 2016) as follows: “The paper had its origins in an overture by Managing Director of the Trinidad Express Ken Gordon to then President Desmond Hoyte. Following that, local lawyer David de Caires asked Hoyte about starting a newspaper, and the latter raised no objection, but said no foreign exchange would be granted. Stabroek News for the first months of its life, therefore, was printed at the Trinidad Express courtesy of a grant from the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED).” That was the prevailing environment when in 1986, David de Caires launched the Stabroek News. Years earlier, he had qualified as a Solicitor (a British colonial legal designation that was later changed to Attorney in Guyana) and practiced law but had a keen interest in public affairs, social justice and democracy. In 1962 he and his friend, ... Unfortunately the CNR soon faltered. Subsequently, after the 1980 elections, Mr de Caries joined the Compass Group, an organization of a number of professionals in the city that was seeking to engage in discussions to move the country forward, away from its economic and political difficulties. Finally, after Compass floundered, he launched the Stabroek News with a grant from the NED in 1986. Following the passing of Mr de Caires, in an article captioned “David de Caires had a passionate commitment to democracy” (Stabroek News, November 4, 2008) the former Speaker of Parliament, Harri N. (Ralph) Ramkarran offered a ... government under President Dr Bharat Jagdeo). The Founder and first Editor-in-Chief of the paper died in November 2008, ... Having played its part in helping to restore and preserve democracy, and championing press freedom, now with the ... government advertisements, sadly the “institution” created by David de Caires can no longer endure. Hopefully the

By Mark DaCosta- On December 9th, the world observes International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness about the destructive effects of corruption and to encourage action to combat it. The theme for 2024, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” places a special focus on the critical role that young people play in shaping a more transparent and accountable future. This year’s theme is particularly significant for Guyana, where corruption remains a major obstacle to the country’s growth, affecting citizens across all levels of society. Corruption, in its many forms — from bribery and nepotism to embezzlement and money laundering — continues to erode the foundations of good governance in Guyana. The effects are wide-ranging, with corruption siphoning off public resources from essential services such as healthcare and education, undermining economic growth, and perpetuating social inequality. Our country’s oil and gas sector, central to our economic future, has also come under scrutiny for ... As the United Nations rightly states, “Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development, and contributes to governmental instability.” In Guyana, these issues are particularly evident. As reported by Transparency International, Guyana scored just 40 out of 100 on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. The consequences are clear — resources are diverted away from where they are most needed, and trust in public institutions deteriorates. However, with young people engaged in the fight against corruption, the nation stands at a pivotal moment where collective action and reforms can pave the way for a brighter, more transparent future. The focus of International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 is on the youth, who are being called upon as “guardians of integrity.” According to the UN, “fighting corruption is vital for the future of nearly a quarter of the global population,” and young people’s involvement is crucial as they possess the energy, innovation, and determination necessary to challenge corrupt practices and drive change. Their engagement can take many forms, from participating in public discussions to creating awareness campaigns, all aimed at shaping a future free from corruption. The United Nations General Assembly first designated December 9th as International Anti-Corruption Day in 2005, following the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003. This day serves not only as a reminder of the global challenges corruption presents but also as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to building transparent, accountable systems of governance. In 2024, the day is a call for global unity, highlighting the crucial role youth must play in shaping a world where integrity and justice are paramount. In the context of Guyana, the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” takes on a special relevance. As corruption continues to plague the nation, young people’s voices are becoming more central to the conversation, advocating for reforms, transparency, and the prioritisation of justice in governance. Their innovative ... However, the struggle against corruption in Guyana cannot rely on young people alone. It requires the involvement of ... stronger anti-corruption measures and hold employers accountable for any unethical practices. Civil society organisations, likewise, have a pivotal role in educating the public, advocating for stronger anti-corruption laws, and ... Individual citizens, too, have a critical role to play. Every citizen can contribute to the fight against corruption ... Moreover, creating a society resistant to corruption starts with education and awareness. Citizens need to understand the long-term consequences of corruption — not just for the economy but also for social stability and the well-being of future generations. A well-informed public can make informed decisions, challenge

de Caires (31 December 1937 – 1 November 2008) was a Guyanese solicitor. He was also the founder and editor-in-chief of Stabroek News. De Caires' father Francis was a director of the family company, De Caires Bros Ltd, and a [Test ... In the early 1960s, de Caires was involved with the New World Group, responsible for publishing New World Quarterly and ... free-market economics. Trained as a solicitor, de Caires founded Stabroek News in 1986 with the help of his wife and Ken Gordon of the Trinidad and Tobago Express. After Guyana became independent from Britain in 1971, government policies ... Desmond Hoyte enacted various political changes enabling freedom of speech. de Caires was the first to establish an independent, critical newspaper in the country, and often seen as a watershed moment for media freedom in Guyana. In an interview, de Caires said he was most proud of the Stabroek's letters column section: "We get an enormous ... to be heard. For such a small paper, we get an enormous volume of letters." De Caires suffered a heart attack on 14 August 2008. He spent time in hospital in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. He was later transported to a hospital in Barbados, where he died on the morning of 1 November 2008. He is survived by his sisters Mary and Felicity, widow Doreen, son Brendan, and daughter ... | David de Caires | - | | --- | --- | | Born | (1937-12-31)31 December 1937 | | Died | 1 November 2008(2008-11-01) (aged 70), Barbados | | Education | Stonyhurst College | | Known for | Founding and editing Stabroek News | | Father | Frank De Caires | | Relatives | Michael Atherton (son-in-law), Josh de Caires (grandson) | ... 1. Haynes, Andre (8 November 2008). "David de Caires remembered as man who touched many lives". Stabroek News. Retrieved 12 December 2018. 2. David de Caires, editor in Guyana, dies at 70 International Herald Tribune 3. "Brreaking: David de Caires passes away". Stabroek News. 1 November 2008. 4. "David de Caires: Man, mission and the media". Stabroek News. 11 December 2008. Retrieved 7 January ... 6. "David de Caires: Man, mission and the media". Stabroek News. 11 December 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2021. 7. "Obituary". Stabroek News. 9 November 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2021. 8. "Obituary". Stabroek News. 9 November 2008. Retrieved 11 December 2018. 9. "David DeCaires, editor in Guyana, dies at 70". The New York Times. 2 October 2008. ISSN ... - Stabroek News at the Library of Congress Web Archives (archived 2002-09-09) - [David De Caires - The Times Obituary]<