Latest update September 6th, 2026 7:34 PM
A brief look at the last 30 years
Adam Harris during his time as Kaieteur News’ Editor-in-Chief, posing for a Phagwah Day “selfie” with Publisher, Glenn Lall, and former staff members , Leonard Gildarie (left) and Nigel McKenzie (Right).
By Adam Harris
Kaieteur News – Thirty years of my life has gone by. And they have passed so quickly. It seemed only the other day Glenn Lall and I met at Park Hotel. The occasion was the launch of what was to be the challenge to the Guyana Press Association.
He told me that he was recruiting for his newspaper. I had heard of a small weekly that was being distributed for free on Saffon Street. Mr. Lall said that he did not want much, just an article from time to time. That was the start of my nearly three-decade long association with the newspaper. Back then it was only printed on Fridays, a mere 5,000 copies that were distributed to passing cars.
I joined the staff and we worked to improve the paper. The production equipment was ancient. A look at those early editions would indicate how far the paper had come. It was raising its head when two giants ruled the newspaper world back then. In 1994, the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News were the household names. It was with that knowledge that Glenn Lall and I planned to carve our niche. Lesson One was to recognize that everyone had a story. The ordinary man had a place to voice his concerns.
Then there were the columns that propelled the paper. There was Dem Boys Seh, The Baccoo, and the columns that people rushed to get. Glenn Lall and I sought out the Baccoo. Our visits to the watering holes and the political situation fueled the Dem Boys columns.
From a Friday publication Glenn Lall decided that he would introduce a Sunday issue. The newspaper’s forward march had begun. A Wednesday issue was launched to join the Friday and the Sunday. All this while, Kaieteur News was relying on staff attached to other media houses. But not for long.
The office was expanded and people found a very conducive location from which to work. In quick time the paper became a daily. But there were challenges. The paper still had to command attention. But een then, there were envious and angry eyes watching the progress.
Kaieteur News made giant strides after five prisoners broke out of the Camp Street jail in February 2002. That was the start of a reign of terror. The press had moved to Eccles. There it was fire bombed. But it was not long before it was back in circulation. No assignment was too dangerous. Reporters risked their lives to get the story between 2002 and 2005. The newspaper became the leading paper in the country.
But even that had a cost. Five pressmen were executed on the job. That was heart wrenching but believe it or not the publication continued that night. The front page told the story. Kaieteur News was many things. It led the way in the fund raising efforts for Haiti; it was in the forefront of taking food to many during the floods of 2005-2006. The paper won many awards. It continues to lead the way despite distractions. Thirty years is not such a long time after all but it made reporters, many of whom are now in other media houses and leading on social media.
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