by Linda Straker
- RSF statement on RSF USA X (formerly Twitter) account
- MWAG members barred from covering Cabinet swearing-in ceremony last Thursday
- Grenada media boycotted Government news conference last Friday
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Paris-based organisation that defends the right of every human being to have free and reliable information, said that it was very disappointing to see Grenada’s government bar reporters from covering its Cabinet swearing-in ceremony last week.
“RSF was disappointed to see Grenada’s government bar reporters from covering its cabinet swearing-in ceremony last week. As the new Cabinet takes power, it is essential for Grenada’s government to signal its commitment to press freedom and transparency going forward,” said a statement on the RSF USA X (formerly Twitter) account.
RSF defends the right of every human being to have access to free and reliable information. Its mission is to act for the freedom, pluralism and independence of journalism and defend those who embody these ideals.
Its mandate is in the spirit of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and of the major declarations and charters relating to journalistic ethics, notably the Munich Declaration of the Duties and Rights of Journalists.
Last week Friday, the media in Grenada boycotted a Government news conference after members were barred from covering the swearing-in ceremony of ministers of Government affected by a Cabinet reshuffle. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the residence of the Governor-General Dame Cecile La Grenade.
Media workers, except for 2 people, adhered to a request from the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG). They boycotted a news conference called by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell to introduce members of his new Cabinet following his first major cabinet reshuffle 24 hours earlier.
MWAG president Gerard Joseph, in a statement, called for the boycott “in light of Thursday’s developments regarding the presentation of Instruments of Appointment and Government’s decision to exclude the press from witnessing and covering same.”
This is so ludacris a move. I am perturbed at the fact that the local media chose to boycott a swearing-in ceremony because the government barred foreign journalists from covering the ceremony. “Reporters Without Borders” could have simply used information from the local media houses. It is not to say no one knew who was being moved, who was in and who was out, and with reason.
I would however caution Hon. Dickon Mitchell to tread carefully, you have been doing a great job so far. Do not let the Na say-ers and yes butt-ers, grab your attention.
I would like “Reporters Without Borders” without borders to come to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to do work here.
How many times Keith move people without a press conference? This is NNP propaganda…
When a government hides from the media and conducts business in the shadows it the people have reason for concern.