ACM Statement on World Press Freedom Day 2005

May 3, 2005 – The Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers (ACM) joins with the world community in recognising World Press Freedom Day 2005.

Such an observance provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the vast opportunities being made available through the use of new information and communication technology and the enlightened debates that are occurring globally on the great promise this brings to modern day civilisation.

We also applaud governments of the Caribbean Community that have stuck to their commitment to implement the free movement provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy with respect to media workers.

We pay tribute to those who have over the years pursued such an objective with passion and diligence and recognise the fact that an increasing number of regional journalists have already taken advantage of the opportunities this new situation brings.

But this occasion also gives rise to considerable contemplation on the numerous challenges being faced by journalists and their media institutions everywhere.

The Caribbean region has, for example, proven to be no exception in a disturbingly pervasive environment within which free speech and a free press are viewed as virtual impediments to the process of development and social cohesion.

In that regard, we bring to the attention of the region, the remark by United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2005, that “the right to ‘seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media’ is enshrined in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

“Censorship, the suppression of information, intimidation and interference are a denial of democracy, an obstacle to development, and a threat to the security of all,” the Secretary-General says.

While the Caribbean has, by and large, escaped the worst effects of violence against journalists, we have not evaded the onslaught of misguided official policies, the blinkered commercial agendas of media
owners and managers and the under-developed nature of our thrust to develop a cadre of well-equipped and trained media professionals.