The Corbin Media Group on Wednesday evening launched what it hopes will serve as more than a just a tribute to Guyanese of African Descendants. The Publishing company unveiled its newest Magazine "Izwe" which is a Zulu word meaning Citizens. 

The new magazine will focus heavily on the way of life and history of Guyanese of African decent and pay homage to their heritage and history. 

Publisher and Managing Editor of the "IZWE", Simeon Corbin said the Magazine should be seen as part of the rich Guyanese culture and heritage and not as a Black magazine as some companies saw it in their refusal to provide sponsorship and take out ads in the new Publication. He said his magazine is not being and will not marketed as a Black Magazine but rather as one showcasing a country's rich culture. 

"Izwe with its to-the-point style, attractive layout and pictures will hopefully attract a new generation of readers who are passionate about their heritage. " Simeon Corbin.

Corbin told the gathering at the Umana Yana that the unveiling of the Magazine is more than just a dream for him, it is the realization of many other great things to come. He said the glossy full coloured Magazine will trace the work and culture of Africans from the days of slavery to their many contributions today.It will pay homage to their strength. With this year being designated as the Year of African Descendants by the UN, Corbin said it was the ideal time to launch the annual publication. 

"The aim of the magazine is to chronicle over 350 yrs of african presence in Guyana and other parts of the world. I know it cannot be done in one edition of the magazine but our plan is to make IZwe an annual publication hence opportunities for ongoing recognition and salute," Corbin added.

Private Sector Commission Chairman Ramesh Dookoo praised the launching of the new publication saying that "in Guyana today we can truly say that people of African descent live in harmony with the other races".   

The Ministry of Culture and several local companies partnered with the publishers for the launching and Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said over the years the Corbin Media group has taken over the work of a patriot through its publication of the years of the Guyana Entertainment Magazine- Gem and he believes while the new magazine Izwe is an ambitious project, it also fills the need that has been there for a very long time since the present generation of Guyanese need to understand their history. 

He said companies that have not signed on as sponsors of the IZWE Magazine are shortsighted since regardless of our race, there is a collective Guyanese history that "belongs to us all". "I see it as a medium by which we can transmit knowledge to help us sustain our culture", the minister said as he praised the publishers for the venture. He believes its time for Guyanese to understand the meaning of their culture. 

Minister Anthony said he is happy that "we are writing about us" and not allow other people to write our history and our stories. The Publishers say the Izwe Magazine is aimed at today's generation so that they may use the information as a catalyst to aspire to live life to its fullest potential in a diverse culture.  It will be available in bookstores and leading supermarkets across Guyana.