One of Guyana’s longstanding independent newspapers, Stabroek News, will cease its print edition on 15 March 2026, as its parent company, Guyana Publications Inc. (GPI), moves towards voluntary liquidation. The announcement marks the end of a 39-year chapter in the country’s media history.
In a public statement, Chairman Brendan de Caires revealed that the decision follows years of deliberation by the company’s board, as traditional print operations became increasingly unsustainable in a rapidly evolving global media environment. He confirmed that the liquidation process will begin shortly, noting that the company remains solvent and intends to meet all outstanding obligations, including employee entitlements.
The newspaper, first published in November 1986, has operated through significant political and economic periods in Guyana’s development. However, like many print outlets worldwide, it has faced persistent challenges stemming from declining circulation figures and reduced advertising income. The rise of digital platforms and social media has fundamentally transformed how audiences access news and how media organisations generate revenue.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, responding publicly to the development, described the pending closure as unfortunate. In a Facebook post, he said, “It is regrettable to learn of the intended closure of Stabroek News by mid-March 2026. It is truly an indication of how porous the global media landscape is and a stark reminder to those in the media business that they must constantly consider evolving their strategy to deal with competitive market forces and changing media dynamics, including the eruption of social media.”
Minister McCoy highlighted the broader transformation within the global media industry, noting that businesses in the sector must continuously adapt their strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly digital and social media-dominated environment.
Addressing staff members, de Caires explained that the company had carefully evaluated multiple paths forward, including accelerated digital expansion and potential restructuring. He acknowledged that while the board examined digitisation as a possible solution, the economic realities of print decline posed significant risks. Ultimately, the directors opted to wind down operations while the company remains financially stable, rather than face the prospect of forced closure in the future.
Editor-in-Chief Anand Persaud echoed similar sentiments, noting that the crisis confronting Stabroek News reflects a broader international pattern. He observed that print media outlets across the region and globally have struggled under the weight of shrinking advertising markets and falling subscription revenues. The recent closure of Newsday in Trinidad was cited as another example of the mounting pressures facing traditional newspapers.
Persaud explained that over the past five years, the organisation had actively explored various strategies, including partial digital initiatives. However, these measures did not provide the sustained financial footing needed to secure long-term viability. He emphasised that the decision to cease print operations was made to preserve the newspaper’s independence and integrity.
The end of print publication will mark the conclusion of nearly four decades of contribution to Guyana’s public discourse. Since its establishment in 1986, Stabroek News has been a significant voice in the national media landscape. Its closure underscores the profound transformation reshaping journalism worldwide as audiences increasingly migrate to digital platforms for news and information.