The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) issues this unequivocal and forceful condemnation of the threats, intimidation, and actions by political activists and operatives who are pressuring statutory bodies and government-affiliated agencies to withhold or terminate advertising contracts with media houses that allow opposition voices or public criticism of the ruling administration.
These actions are nothing short of an assault on democracy and a direct attack on press freedom in Grenada. The practice of weaponising government advertising to punish or silence media outlets is an abuse of power that undermines the constitutional rights of all Grenadians to access independent information and diverse perspectives.
Let it be clearly understood: Public advertising funds do not belong to any political party. They belong to the people of Grenada. Such funds are collected from taxpayers and must be allocated fairly, transparently, and in the national interest — not used as political tools to control or coerce the media.
The use of financial pressure to influence editorial decisions is censorship by economic strangulation. MWAG will not stand idly by while any group seeks to suffocate press freedom and stifle the voices of journalists, broadcasters, programme hosts, podcasters, and content creators who serve the public’s right to know.
MWAG demands that all statutory bodies, state-owned enterprises, and government ministries reject political interference in advertising decisions and distribute public advertising resources equitably. We further call on the Government of Grenada to publicly and unequivocally reaffirm its commitment to protecting press freedom and ensuring that no media house faces economic punishment for fulfilling its duty to inform the public.
MWAG remains unwavering in its mission to defend the constitutional rights of media workers and the Grenadian public. We will continue to advocate forcefully for a media environment where all voices can be heard without fear — and where truth, professionalism, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable pillars of our democracy.
MWAG
One of the things I have noticed is that under this administration, press freedom is greater than it had ever been before. Everybody is writing and saying whatever they wish to, including those calling for withdrawal of advertizing revenue from media houses opposing the government. I believe in a press freedom, and any attempt by the government to silence the media should be condemned if that happens. In the meantime, the call by elements to withdraw funds from opposing views is an example of the brazeness that comes out these days. It is amazing that while MWAG is so concerned about the actions of a declared activist, they have not addressed the level of unprofessionalism, inaccuracies, misinformation, disinformation that have passed through mainstream media as news and information
If the government attacks press freedom any day, you can depend on Grenadian people to support you, because we all believe in freedom of the press. If a known political activist makes his or her call, that is what it is, political activism. We all hear the extremes on the other side as well. A lot of it is troubling to listen to, but it is political activism, and they are all very opinionated, and brazen. I believe it would be better for MWAG to look within itself, and pay attention to the poor quality of material that finds its way through its membership. That membership has responsibility to be professional, and to report the truth. When that group fails, is when we have to start to worry about the longterm stability of our country