This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 GEORGETOWN 000104 
 
SIPDIS 
 
PA/OBS FOR GEORGE SANTULLI 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP OPRC KPAO GY
SUBJECT: TV CO-OP PROPOSAL - GUYANA 
 
REF: 2005 STATE 210798 
 
¶1. SUMMARY:  Guyana is a fragile state with a history of 
ethnic-related post-election violence.  General elections 
are due by called by August 2006.  Post proposes a 
television co-op with the theme "The Role of the Media in 
Elections".  Reporters would focus on the large overseas 
Guyanese community, some of whom have run for office in 
the U.S. and others help fund political parties in 
Guyana.  END SUMMARY 
 
-------------------------- 
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION 
-------------------------- 
 
¶2. Politics in Guyana remain mired in personal attacks, 
promises of patronage and ethnic loyalties.  Guyana is an 
ethnically divided nation, the population is roughly 44% 
East Indian (Indo-Guyanese), 30% African (Afro-Guyanese) 
with the balance made up of mixed heritage, Native 
Americans (Amerindians), Portuguese, Chinese and white. 
From independence in 1966 until 1992, it was ruled by the 
primarily Afro-Guyanese People's National Congress (PNC). 
Since 1992, Guyana has been governed by the primarily 
Indo-Guyanese People's Progressive Party (PPP). The 1992 
election was Guyana's first free and fair election since 
independence.  Despite this, the 1992 election and 
subsequent elections in 1997 and 2001 were marred by post- 
election violence. 
 
¶3. Elections are constitutionally due to be held by 
August 4, 2006. The Embassy is encouraging all parties to 
work towards free, fair, and peaceful elections.  Many 
voters are tired of politics-as-usual and fear a repeat 
of previous unrest. 
 
¶4. This program will meet the Mission Performance Plan 
goal of helping Guyana achieve political stability.  A TV 
co-op would show Guyanese audiences how political debate 
can function in a democracy.  Post already uses USAID 
development assistance funds and State Department speaker 
programs to educate voters and improve media coverage of 
elections.  This program would enhance these efforts. 
 
------ 
IMPACT 
------ 
 
¶5. Television in Guyana is starved for local content. 
Although there are many stations, fifteen in Georgetown 
alone, most programming consists of pirated signals from 
the U.S. and pirated DVD movies.  Only six of television 
stations produce nightly news programs.  Because there is 
so little local content, Post finds stations are more 
than willing to air documentaries, reports and interviews 
relevant to Guyana.  Stories produced by the TV co-op 
will be aired multiple times during peak viewing hours. 
Stations regularly share footage which will ensure 
stories are seen in every major community in Guyana. 
 
¶6. Most nightly news shows have both an hour-long 
broadcast and a weekly news magazine.  A television co-op 
would produce both short stories for the nightly 
broadcast and longer substantive stories for the 
magazine.  Post has met with media outlets here and they 
are very willing to participate. 
 
------- 
STORIES 
------- 
 
¶7.  The first priority is to tell the story of how 
elections are run in the United States and how the media 
covers them.  This can be done through general interviews 
with political parties, candidates, and established voter 
organizations.  Groups that arrange candidate debates and 
town hall meetings would be especially valuable in 
showing Guyanese audiences the potential of these 
activities and teaching the pragmatic steps necessary for 
successful debates. 
 
¶8. There is a large Guyanese-American population in the 
U.S. centered in New York City.  Several Guyanese- 
Americans have run for local office there. Their 
experiences would be a useful bridge for viewers. 
Guyanese expatriates also provide much of the funding for 
campaigns here.  They tend to continue the ethnic-based 
politics of their homeland, and they are an important 
factor in Guyanese elections. 
 
¶9. Although some time should be spent in New York because 
of its direct relevance to life in Guyana, a TV co-op 
should also be used to showcase the size and diversity of 
the United States.  Many Guyanese focus their attention 
on New York City and have little knowledge of the rest of 
the country.  Seeing debates and elections in a local or 
state level would be very valuable, especially in an area 
with racial or economic problems.  One reporter mentioned 
that many Guyanese are interested in the situation in 
Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. A story about politics 
in post-flood Louisiana would resonate with Guyanese 
audiences. Like New Orleans, the capital Georgetown and 
most of coastal Guyana are below sea level and protected 
by dykes and a seawall.  Guyana experienced widespread 
flooding in January 2005 and again in January 2006. 
---------- 
LOGISTICS 
---------- 
 
¶10. The news outlet for the co-op will be determined 
later.  Several are interested and have the capability to 
produce worthwhile programs.  Guyana has direct flights 
to New York and flights (through connections) are 
available to Washington D.C. and Miami.  Media outlets 
can afford to pay airfare.  Guyana is English-speaking, 
translators will not be needed.  Post is aware of the 
need for I visas and a thorough briefing of participants. 
 
 
BULLEN