Stabroek News shuts down after four decades

Feb 14, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – “The end of an era”, one of Guyana’s oldest privately owned newspapers, Stabroek News, on Friday announced that after almost 40 years in publication, it will cease printing on March 14, 2026.

The publication reported that in an address to employees, Chairman of Guyana Publications Inc. (GPI), Brendan de Caires said the company will shortly begin the process of voluntary liquidation.

He explained that newspapers like Stabroek News, which began publishing in November 1986 and became a daily in 1994, faced an existential challenge from global digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Globally, he noted, print advertising has declined by 75 per cent, from approximately US$110 billion in 2004 to US$26 billion in 2024.

He also disclosed that in recent years, GPI absorbed mounting losses by drawing on its cash reserves. “Despite cutting costs, the company has lost money for six out of the last ten years”, he said. Nevertheless, he assured employees that all benefits due to them will be paid.

Stabroek News was founded in 1986 by attorney David de Caires, with his wife Doreen beside him.

In a statement issued, the founder’s children, Isabelle and Brendan de Caires described the decision to close the newspaper as “extraordinarily difficult and painful”.

“Stabroek News was born in a media environment very different to the one that exists in Guyana today,” it was stated.

The siblings noted that shortly before their father’s death, the newspaper endured a period when advertisements from state-owned companies, which was a significant source of revenue, were withheld. “A rather crude attempt to muzzle the free press. In the past year, the state-run Department of Public Information has accrued a debt to this newspaper in excess of G$ 80,000,000 in unpaid advertisements. The debt persists despite repeated private and public entreaties to clear it. This tactic could equally be construed as an attempt to starve this company of its operating funds,” it was further stated.

It was noted that while the business tried to diversify and adapt seeking alternative sources of income, it faced significant obstacles. “We have repeatedly sought (and been refused) a radio licence. Although we operated a TV subsidiary for a few decades, our main local competitors enjoyed significant privileges. The playing field was not level. The anticipated progression from newspaper to multi-media broadcaster has been impossible,” it stated.

They stressed that the model of reportage that this paper has cultivated in its lifetime is out of step with the algorithmic formulae that now control the circulation of news online. “These considerations and conditions have shaped this moment and its outcome. But that is only a small part of the story,” they said.

Nevertheless, they stated, “So, in a sense, we exit as we entered. Unbowed. Heads held high. Beholden to none. It will be for others to take the full measure of this newspaper’s contribution to the democratic process in Guyana, and to the nation’s ability to talk and listen to itself in civil tones, without invective, rancour or malice. Stabroek News has nurtured a generation or two of readers, writers, thinkers and pundits. It is time to hand over the baton.”

As news of the closure spread, media operatives and members of the public expressed sadness, noting the newspaper’s role in shaping Guyana’s media landscape and its reputation for fearless, independent reporting. Several journalists reflected that their careers began at Stabroek News, crediting the institution for their professional development.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) said it was deeply saddened by the impending closure.  “This development marks a significant loss to the nation’s media landscape and to the democratic fabric of our society,” the association said.

It added that for decades, Stabroek News served as a pillar of independent journalism, providing credible information and diverse perspectives. “Its closure represents not only the silencing of a critical voice, but also a reminder of the challenges faced by independent media in sustaining operations amidst economic and political pressures,” GPA added.

The GPA cautioned that without strong, independent journalism, citizens are deprived of the transparency and scrutiny that safeguard democracy and protect public trust.

“Throughout its history, Stabroek News has been an advocate for social justice in Guyana, highlighting issues such as corruption, human rights abuses and environmental concerns. It has been a bastion of journalistic integrity, empowering citizens to demand accountability and transparency from those who lead us,” it reminded.

It noted that the impending closure of Stabroek News should serve as a wake-up call to strengthen protections for press freedom and to ensure that Guyana’s media environment remains diverse, resilient, and capable of fulfilling its democratic role.

The association called on government, the private sector, civil society and the international community to recognise the importance of supporting independent media institutions and reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and supporting journalists across Guyana.

Veteran journalist Gordon Moseley described the announcement as a dark day for independent media. “Over the years, Stabroek News has served as a platform for diverse views and opinions and has remained steadfast in its work on a changing media landscape.  Guyana will become poorer with the absence of Stabroek News.   To my colleagues at the Stabroek News, hold your heads up and keep pushing through.  Best wishes as you plan a way forward.  God’s Blessings,” he added.

Journalist Kurt Campbell said the closure marks more than the end of a newspaper. “For nearly four decades, Stabroek News stood as a pillar of independent journalism in Guyana. It asked hard questions. It amplified voices that needed to be heard. It documented our political shifts, our social struggles, our triumphs, and our everyday stories. It was part of our national dialogue,” he remarked.

Former journalist Leonard Gildarie reflected on his early career at the newspaper, describing his first year there as “life-changing.” He added, “In recent years I have always wondered how print media managed to stay afloat with diminishing circulation made worse by the explosion of social media… as a country…we can marvel at the history of our country and Stabroek News…the question will be …are we better off from its impending closure?”

Journalist Alva Solomon said the newspaper gave him his start in a career spanning two decades, calling the closure a sad day for Guyana’s media.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, also commented on the announcement. “It is regrettable to know of the intended closure of Stabroek News by mid-March 2026. It is truly an indication of how porous is the global media landscape and a stark reminder to those in the media business that they must constantly take into consideration evolving their strategy to deal with competitive market forces and changing media dynamics, including the eruption of social media,” he said.

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• Brendan de Caires, DPI, Guyana Publications Inc, Stabroek News, voluntary liquidation

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