…as conflict looms over Berbice TV 21 transmissions Owner of CNS TV6, C.N. SharmaThe owner of CNS TV6, which has a licence to broadcast on Channel 6, has blasted local authorities for not being allowed to extend its signals, even as Berbicians say that they are now seeing transmissions on a little-used channel in that region.In a letter to this newspaper yesterday, Chandra Narine “C.N.” Sharma described transmission on Channel 21,Bayern Trikot Ausw?rts 18/19, as a “clandestine” move and questioned why he is not being allowed to extend his signals to cover the Berbice area.The transmission is said to be used by the National Communications Network (NCN).Sharma said that in his most recent application to the authorities, he asked for permission to establish relay stations at Long Creek, Soesdyke Highway; Richmond Hill,James Rodriguez Trikot Bayern, Linden; Bushy Park, Parika; Mahaicony; Fort Ordinance, Canje and Henrietta, Essequibo Coast.Over the weekend, Berbicians reportedly began receiving signals, with movies and other programmes being shown.In yesterday’s edition of Kaieteur News, a letter writer complained that it is a “shameful and vindictive act” to bring another state channel when others are being denied. The writer called on the National Frequency and Management Unit (NFMU) to address this development.Calls to the NFMU’s head Valmiki Singh and NCN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Sattaur, over the operations of Channel 21, were not immediately returned yesterday to Kaieteur News.Berbicians said they watched a movie, “Nanny McPhee” on it yesterday.“But all of this is not surprising at all. Elections are just around the corner. The more avenues for sharing propaganda and half truths on the airwaves, the better it would be. This new TV station in Berbice could not have come at a better time,” the TV station owner stated.Sharma said that the move to allow NCN to broadcast on Channel 21, when Berbice already has Channel 15, is tantamount to “double standards”.Noting that he has been quite frequently requesting updates on his application, the host of the “Justice For All” programme, said that he was always “informed that the Broadcast Legislation does not lend itself to the approval of my application.”It is surprising therefore, Sharma contended, that another television can get permission to extend its signals,” and a second signal at that.”“If public pressure comes on stream regarding two NCN channels in the Ancient County, then the administration may offer to sell one. But Berbice will therefore remain vulnerable to propaganda television.”The TV host was of the belief that the NFMU will not be responding to the letter writer’s accusations but will attempt to “present a weak explanation that will wax technical…”He also argued that Guyanese have the right to determine what they watch on public television.“As has been stated before, the refusal by the administration to grant permission for the extension of my signal is a denial of the rights of the residents of Berbice.”Sharma said that the operation of Channel 21 by NCN in Region 5 is clear evidence of discrimination since there are already other television networks other than NCN in the region.“In addition, the broadcast of Channel 21 clearly indicates that government had licensed the network to operate an additional channel in that region,Bayern M?nchen Trikot 2019, and continues to stall my request to operate in that same region. A clear case of discrimination.”In December 2008, Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang, had ruled that while no applicant has an absolute right to a licence to operate a radio or TV station, or residents the absolute right to receive information,Maillot Psg Femme Pas Cher, government has a constitutional duty to deal with applications efficiently.He also ruled on that occasion that “Region Ten residents had been hindered in their enjoyment of freedom of expression under Article 146.”Sharma stated that “all citizens outside of Region Four are likewise hindered”.The ruling came after two residents of Region 10 approached the court in 2005 seeking relief “for breaches of Article 40, 146 and 149 of the Constitution.”Among other things, they sought declarations that the failure to have radio broadcasts in Region 10 from stations other than the state-controlled NCN was a negation of free elections, especially in light of the then approaching 2006 polls; that this failure was a hindrance of the employment of their freedom of expression and freedom to receive ideas, particularly in light of the then upcoming election; that the failure to enable broadcasts from a station other than NCN was discriminatory.*************************Almost $1B to be expended for school improvement works By Sharmain Corn