Possible closure looms over Caribbean Press – Culture Minister [Guyana]
BY KNEWS
The controversial Caribbean Press will face a possible “shut down” if the proposal for money for the establishment of an editorial board is not approved.
This is according to Culture Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony. The Minister made this declaration at a press conference yesterday after he was questioned about possible changes to be made to the Press.
The Caribbean Press is a nonprofit organization which was established to publish the work of Guyanese writers.
Dr. David Dabydeen is the current editor and manager of the Press. The Minister in an interview last year with this publication had explained that the Press is short of staff. “Everything that is being done for the Caribbean Press is done voluntarily. No one gets paid and it should be noted that it is funded by the government.”
So far, the Press has published 60 books, 36 of which have been distributed to schools, libraries and Austin’s Book Services.
However, there have been several accusations of mismanagement of the Press and its funds. This has been highlighted by several social and cultural activists. One such person, who has been very outspoken on this issue, is two time winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature, Mr. Ruel Johnson.
In light of the string of accusations, the panel of persons working at the Caribbean Press has supported the move for the implementation of an editorial Board. The Minister said, “The people have been unhappy with the bad press they have been getting and as such we have sought to get the editorial board in place. This will cost money. We have no problem if this is what people want in the name of transparency but if it is not approved then the Caribbean Press can face a total shut down.”
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