Newspapers are a lot more than just a business. They play a key role in democratic societies and, as they establish themselves over the years, they become an integral part of a nation’s life. Today, it is difficult to imagine Trinidad and Tobago without its Guardian.
All this also means that it is a tremendous responsibility to be the majority shareholder of Guardian Media Limited, the publishers of the T&T Guardian. Together with the minority shareholders, we know that, although vital for its success, looking after the T&T Guardian is more than looking at costs, revenue and investments. It is also about cherishing the newspaper’s heritage, protecting its reputation and making sure its next century is as successful as the first one.
There is a lot for us to celebrate about the T&T Guardian’s past. In fact, the T&T Guardian is the only daily newspaper in circulation to have covered our country’s independence in 1962 and it has been the main source of trusted information to Trinbagonians through many other major moments in our lives.
Although not set up by the ANSA McAL group or its predecessors, we feel connected with the guiding principles that led a group of respected men to create the Trinidad Guardian in 1917. Then, like now, the newspaper felt strongly about how businesses could grow the islands’ economy and make them more prosperous to everyone.
The founders were also optimistic and patriotic. That is what explains the launching of a risky new venture amidst the uncertainties of the First World War, with a newspaper created to give a voice for the islands at a time independence was a very distant dream. In today’s Trinidad and Tobago, we are driven by the same optimism and patriotism that inspired them a century ago.
Like any other business, the T&T Guardian had its ups and downs. However, it never refused to accept defeat. Many newspapers would have struggled to recover from the devastating fire that destroyed its St Vincent Street site in 1980, effectively removing it from circulation for a long period. Instead, it came back even more determined, thanks to efforts of its staff and the support of its readers.
Celebrating the past is important but we must also look into the future. We believe the T&T Guardian, now in the digital age, has a bright future ahead of it. This is why we continue to support it and invest in its development, through new technologies and new ideas, some of them being rolled out later this month as part of the centenary celebrations.
In reality, we think that a strong and trusted T&T Guardian is even more important at a time when fake news is easily disseminated via social media or when many prefer rumours to fact. More than ever, we need a strong Guardian of Democracy and a catalyst for change for all those who want to make Trinidad and Tobago a better place.
Like all ANSA McAL stakeholders, I am thankful for the work done by all those who helped make the newspaper so successful over the last 100 years and look forward to another century of distinguished journalism and committed patriotism, underpinned by an uncompromising defence of democracy and freedom of expression.
Norman A Sabga
Executive Chairman,
ANSA McAL Limited