Register For PMA/CBU Workshop On Journalism Safety

In the last few months, media experts have expressed their concerns regarding the degrading situation of safety of journalists in the Caribbean region.

In Jamaica, alerts have been raised concerning growing political pressure and hostility towards the press, causing the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) to issue a statement concerning the progression of mis- and disinformation attacks on media professionals and media houses, such as RJRGLEANER.

In October, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) denounced threats from the police forces, as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyanese police force, stated they would resort to a seditious libel law to go after journalists. Additionally, Guyana saw a surge of hostility against journalists from political figures.  In the past few months, some media organisations have voiced their concerns over the harassment, assault or intimidation of journalists.

The political and societal instability in Haiti also sees journalists at risk, facing violent repression from gangs who attempt to silence their reports. At the end of December 2024, two journalists were killed and others were injured while covering an official event. The gravity of the situation also highlights the serious problems of impunity for violence against journalists that persist in Haiti.

While freedom of expression is constitutionally protected in most countries in the Caribbean, the protection of journalists and media organisation has remained complex with laws contradicting the principle of press freedom.