The World Press Freedom Index report of 2019 says journalism in Dominica and the rest of the OECS is not as respected as in countries like Jamaica.
In fact, the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which prepares the report, named Jamaica as the Caribbean country with the highest respect for freedom of information.
Suriname at number 20 and Trinidad and Tobago at number 39, were the next best placed Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries on the 2019 index.
The RSF which conducts political advocacy on issues relating to freedom of information and freedom of the press, placed Jamaica at number eight out of a total of 180 countries examined.
The RSF conducted investigations in 13 Caribbean countries. Barbados was not among those Caribbean nations listed.
RSF said that journalism is not a prestige profession in member-countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) .
“They receive little training and often abandon media work because it is so badly paid, an issue that particularly affects female journalists in the region,” the report states.
The RSF report goes on to say that many media outlets are under the direct influence of politicians, especially during elections.
“In some of the islands, political parties even own or have major shares in media companies, compromising journalistic independence,” RFS points out.
It says that the authorities in the sub-region are also monitoring social networks more and more closely, which encourages a degree of self-censorship.
Sweden tops the World Press Freedom Index with Turkmenistan occupying the bottom position at number 180.
The United States is listed at number 48.
The OECS (which includes Dominica) is ranked at number 50 and is listed as one block.
An other thing I heard is that from the last House of Assembly meeting they have been studying the procedures and rules of the proceeding of the House so that the can understand “point of order, supplementary Estimates and supplementary questions.”
They have been reading the Constitutions and even copies of Erskine Mays books on conduct in Parliament. Their lawyers told them that they should have done this 5 years ago, but better late than never. They will be testing themselves today and show due respect to the Speaker’s authority in the House. Good for them. No more ganging up on the Speaker again.
Let there be peace and respect in the House. Amen.
You know, I have to respect DNO for publishing this story. It takes integrity to cover the release of a report that’s potentially unflattering to oneself. Thanks for all you do, and keep up the good work.
Journalism in DA is virtually non existent because of the existence of ‘censorship’ in one form or another in that the dictator has infiltrated most of the media and press and brought them on his side. It’s a crying shame. Going forward and for democracy to flourish once again, Dominica needs robust journalism. However, this is not available as long as Skerrit is in charge!
The truth is, in Dominica today Journalists are disrespected and afraid, Police are disrespected and afraid, Government Ministers and cabinet is disrespected and afraid, Doctors cannot talk preachers cannot speak out and really and truly people are afraid of ONE man. When I think of Dominica today I think of a poem written by a patriot on “IF DOMINICA COULD TALK”. So tell The World Press Freedom Index people that if they were to spend a month in Dominica they would realize that not just journalists but Dominica and Dominicans are disrespected and are afraid of ONE man
When I think of how Keisha Nicholas was treated I do believe the report!
“In some of the islands, political parties even own or have major shares in media companies, compromising journalistic independence,” RFS points out.
Sounds Familiar?…..hmmmmm
Nothing new then. Typically the top rankend countries are normally also found in the top listing for happiness, education, wellfare and social care. Is there a message here perhaps? In Dominica, if you dare criticise authorities you are called a traitor. A long way to go.
What more do we expect. The sad thing is that many Dominicans, especially the older folks, listen to DBS in the morning, they do their chores, listen to DBS for lunchtime news, listen to “esperience kweyol” in the afternoon, listen to DBS evening news then look at Marpin 2K4 evening news. All heavily controlled and edited by the ruling party. I know, I have family and friends who have this routine as their daily prayer. Do you expect better from our people?
Many of the ‘journalists’ in the sub-region are for the most part untrained. Instead of reporting the news, after first thoroughly dissecting it, they act like stenographers. They repeat verbatim what emanates from the mouths of these mendacious politicians who are mostly career liars. Most of the journalists are timorous, afraid of the reprisals that may be meted out to them especially by members of the ruling political party. To be fair to journalists in the sub region though, getting information from these governments is as difficult as pulling teeth. Many of the leaders have eggshell egos and are mortally afraid of truth and even objective criticisms. Investigative journalism is non-existent in the OECS. This is a gross disservice to the people.
This article is the exact reason journalism isn’t respected in Dominica. You tell us where some other countries placed but no where in the article did you state where Dominica, the country you are writing about, placed. WHERE WAS DOMINICA RANKED? Secondly, the next time I hear a journalist ask a politician a hard question or do any investigative reporting will be the first time. The only information ever reported on in Dominica comes straight from the mouths of the politicians who are skilled at spinning a story to suit their objectives. Has anyone uncovered any documents that detail China’s involvement in the country, what about the Citizens investment program, status of the international airport, obscene wealth generated by politicians in a short span, what is really going on with the red clinic. There are a lot of things that journalist could do that is reporting instead of sitting on their hands and waiting for news to happen.
ADMIN: The article has since been updated. Dominica is included in the OECS which is ranked as one block at number 50 on the list.
We are leaving out one major aspect. I E respect is not given. It is earned. Most journalists do not care about the truth. They only care about jncome from rating . (MONEY) Speculation and fake news is the order of the day. There is no professional ethics in their practice.
In Dominica the news is polarized in a for or against the government manner.
Even some news outlets with stated policy still peddle fake news. There are no reporters in the field to give us eye witness news. The airwaves are full of negatives which does not promote good relationship, respect or credibility.
Everyone seem to have a hidden agenda and its not to promote the truth.
If news media or social media people want respect and credibility they have to earn it. Right now they do not have this as their goal.
A lot off parents do not allow their kids to look at tv news or listen to radio news, even news papers and magazines get boycotted .
Waiting for real journalism – you wrote “the next time I hear a journalist ask a politician a hard question or do any investigative reporting will be the first time. ”
2. “The only information ever reported on in Dominica comes straight from the mouths of the politicians who are skilled at spinning a story to suit their objectives.”
3. “Has anyone uncovered any documents that detail China’s involvement in the country, what about the Citizens investment program, status of the international airport, obscene wealth generated by politicians in a short span, what is really going on with the red clinic.”
What about where is the opposition leader getting all that MONEY to be touring the North of America, will the Matt or CJB ever ask him that question???? Politicians are not only those in power we must be even MORE CONCERN about those in opposition, who are their friends and who funds them!!!! i can tell you that trip is costing the opposition leader/party more than…
Joe. I hear that the Opposition UWP will be giving a full account of funds raised from last election. This will include legal fees raised on radiothons, pay pal and some quid pro quo promises. They plan to give complete details to the last cent for travelling expenses foreign and local.
They are always talking about due diligence, accountability and transparency, so they want to show that all their spending is above board. They intend to pass a paper trail to their auditors so that they can present it to Parliament today at the House of Assembly meeting. Great job. Such an honest party. They intend to prove (with hard copy evidence) that they are not corrupt .
The idea is to set an example in honesty and dear other parties to do the same.
That will be a Historic event. Bravo UWP. Hats of to you all.