Guyana is strengthening its position at the forefront of regional discussions on the future of media and communications through its participation in the International Media and Communication Conference (IMCC) being hosted by the Department of Literary, Cultural and Communication Studies at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.
Held under the theme “The Digital Nexus: Media and Communication in the Age of AI,” the three-day conference, which opened on Wednesday, June 24, brings together academics, policymakers, media practitioners, communication professionals, researchers and technology experts from across the Caribbean and beyond to examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, public communication and the wider media landscape.
Representing Guyana are the Director of Public Affairs Gordon French and the National Coordinator of the Guyana Media and Communications Academy (GMCA), Marcia Hope.
Their participation underscores Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that its communications sector remains responsive to emerging technologies while maintaining the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and public service.
The conference explores several critical issues, including artificial intelligence in journalism, media ethics, digital transformation, misinformation and disinformation, strategic communications, public trust, media literacy and the future of communication in an increasingly AI-driven world.
French said that Guyana’s presence at the conference reflects the Government’s commitment to preparing its communications sector for the rapidly evolving digital era.
“Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way governments communicate, how journalists gather and verify information, and how citizens consume news. Guyana is committed to ensuring that our communications professionals are equipped with the skills, ethical framework and technological understanding necessary to lead in this new environment,” French stated.
Meanwhile, Hope noted that the conference provides valuable opportunities to enhance the Academy’s growing portfolio of professional development programmes.
According to Hope, the GMCA was established to build a modern, resilient and professional communications sector.
“As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into every aspect of media production and public engagement, continuous learning is no longer optional, but it is essential,” Hope noted.
Guyana’s participation in the IMCC forms part of the Government’s broader agenda to embrace innovation, strengthen institutional capacity and promote responsible adoption of emerging technologies across the public communications sector.