DPI CANCELS ALL ADS TO STABROEK NEWS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT THE NEWSPAPER REPORTS

By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the local media landscape, Stabroek News is reporting that the Department of Public Information (DPI) has canceled all government advertisements scheduled for March with immediate effect. The decision comes at a precarious time for the 39-year-old institution, which previously announced it would be forced to cease operations on March 15, 2026, due to severe financial constraints.

The cancellation of ads—a primary revenue stream for any national newspaper—follows a series of reports by the outlet highlighting a massive mountain of unpaid debt owed by the state.

The Debt Breakdown: $86.4 Million Owed

According to Guyana Publications Inc. (GPI), the publishers of Stabroek News, the government’s debt to the newspaper remains staggering despite a recent minor payment.

• Recent Payment: On Tuesday, February 24, DPI made a payment of $7.4 million.
• Old Arrears: Stabroek News clarified that this $7.4 million was a partial payment for advertisements published nearly a year ago, in April 2025.
• The Outstanding Balance: Following that payment, the total sum owed to the newspaper by the state currently stands at $86.4 million.
• Payment Stagnation: Prior to this week, the last significant payment ($23.3M) was made in November 2025 for ads placed in early 2025.

A “Silence” from the Office of the Prime Minister

The publishers have expressed deep frustration over the lack of communication regarding the settlement of these arrears.

• Unanswered Letters: GPI reported sending numerous letters to Minister Kwame McCoy, who holds responsibility for the Department of Public Information, seeking a payment schedule to keep the paper afloat.
• No Explanation: The DPI notification sent yesterday reportedly offered no reason for the “immediate effect” cancellation of the March advertising block.
• Implications for Closure: With the March 15th closure date looming, the sudden withdrawal of state advertising is being viewed by some media observers as a final blow to the newspaper’s viability.

The Timeline to Closure

The potential loss of Stabroek News, known for its independent editorial stance since its founding in 1986, has raised concerns about the future of press diversity and the economic pressures facing traditional print media in Guyana.