This is Village Voice News’ first print publication. It comes at a time where Easter is being celebrated as a symbol of hope. On the Christian calendar this is the day when the Messiah, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, having been crucified on the cross on Good Friday, on the order of Pontius Pilate, Governor of the Roman province of Judaea. Christians see the death of Christ as a new beginning. For He paid the ultimate price with his life on the promise that those who follow His teachings shall receive His Father’s blessings and have eternal life.
The Holy Book, at John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” To Christians this is promise and hope of the things to come. And whereas a spiritual commitment has been given to man by God, Christ whilst on earth preached to man the importance of living well with his fellow man and doing unto others as we would like to be done onto us.
It may be fate or fortune but surely not an accident that the Village Voice News hit the stands on Sunday. The lack of access to media has been slowly diminishing in our country and we hope to fill that void where Guyanese of every village can have their voice heard.
The stifling of the right to free speech through the media could also lead to the stifling of the freedom to religious expression, to right to knowledge and information, etc. It is important in modern society where people are scattered over vast lands for them to be able to share and access information and knowledge through mass media. Accessible media is critical in democratic societies for it not only allows the centre of political power to speak to the people but also to hear the feedback and concerns of the people. It is a two-way process and vital to building a democracy.
A nation’s progress is not only measured in economic terms but other social indicators like freedom of expression. Village Voice News promises to make a difference by being different. The publication harbours no illusion its effort to play a role in making media palatable to and respectful of all people, whether we agree or disagree, will not be met with challenges and opposition. This publication is however strongly convinced society deserves better and will strive to do better. The promise of Village Voice News is to give access to all.
