We used to brag that Jamaica usually placed in the top 10 for press freedom. This week we were relegated to 26th position, the lowest I can recall, by Reporters Without Borders (RSF – Reporters sans frontières). However, to be 26th of 180 states is no shame; the only Caribbean country ahead of us is Trinidad and Tobago at 19th and many developed countries are behind us. Check https://rsf.org/en/index for some interesting ratings.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has described our slippage as “a wake-up call”. It noted: “The RSF report highlights a troubling erosion in the relationship between the media and public institutions, especially the state. It cites growing mistrust, limited transparency, and increased economic vulnerability among newsrooms. These trends threaten to undermine public interest journalism and democratic accountability.” I should declare here that I am one of three trustees of the PAJ, serving with Laura Tanna and Franklin McKnight.

The PAJ pointed to the Supreme Court ruling in a defamation case earlier this year. The Jamaica Observer reported, “Former Mayor of Port Maria Richard Creary has been awarded $10 million by the Supreme Court in his defamation battle with The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited. In a judgment handed down on Wednesday, Supreme Court Judge Sonya Wint-Blair found that the media house defamed Creary in its reporting on a 2020 report from the Integrity Commission (IC) on allegations of acts of irregularity and/or conflict of interest…”

The PAJ expressed “serious concerns about how journalists will continue to benefit from legal protections that have long undergirded effective, timely, and responsible coverage of parliamentary proceedings”. They see this as an erosion of “the long-established legal defence of principle of qualified privilege, which protects journalists who fairly and accurately report on matters discussed in Parliament”.

They are concerned about the delays in revisions to the Access to Information Act (ATI) and are recommending:

• Expedite the tabling and debate of the revised ATI legislation

• Commit to reducing turnaround times on ATI requests

• Equip all public authorities with the training and resources to comply

• Introduce sanctions for unjustified refusals or delays.

The Press Association’s motto is “A Free Press – the Oxygen of Democracy”. It is a strong reminder of the importance of this, our Fourth Estate.

Election Anticipation

With Canada, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Australia recently having national elections, there is heightened anticipation for Jamaica’s big day. I hope we will get clarity on who will perform the duties that had been previously assigned to the political ombudsman. When I heard that this would be managed by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), I thought it would be overseen by the constituted authority, the group of independent members who receive reports throughout election day and decide on such matters as calls for review of alleged electoral malpractices.

Jamaicans are being bombarded with political messages and there are accusations of dishonesty and campaign offences. The Jamaican electorate should feel confident that such matters are being addressed in a timely manner. Open communication will encourage voter participation, while hesitation can contribute to voter apathy.

Jamaica’s electoral system has been a model, resulting in the ECJ being invited to share our practices at international conferences and to participate in the oversight of other national elections. Nothing should sully their sterling reputation.

Improved bus services

We used a comfortable Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus for the shuttle service to the JMEA Expo at the National Arena. What a contrast to the “Jolly Joseph” buses of our school days. We acknowledge that Dr Peter Phillips has done yeoman’s service in the establishment of JUTC, but big congratulations must go to Transport Minister Daryl Vaz for the expansion of JUTC routes to rural areas and the introduction of school buses for long-suffering students.

Jaevion Nelson commented on social media: “Was having a convo with my uncle the other day about the rollout of public transportation in Clarendon. He said the impact is huge. People are saving a lot. His son gave up his place in town and travels, saving about $300 each way, and get a comfortable ride to town. All this time I thought it was just about two routes JUTC had there. I’m very happy for them. Long time public transportation should be offered to other parishes.”

Thank goodness for efficient transportation initiatives, a must for social and economic development.

AWAG at work

The Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG), led by president and co-founder Dr Blossom O’Meally Nelson, has been in talks with several stakeholder groups to promote the humane treatment of animals. AWAG is growing in strength, having built working relationships with the Ministry of Agriculture, Mining and Fisheries and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Its recommendations for updating animal welfare legislation are being reviewed and “have made every effort to get the Ministry of Tourism to set standards for animals used in tourism”, notes Dr O’Meally Nelson. They are concerned at the proliferation of “fake vets” and are alerting the public to ensure that they use licensed practitioners for the protection of their animals. AWAG is planning a public education programme and is reaching out to media for their support.

We Wore Blue

Last Tuesday, my husband and I wore blue clothing in support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and in response to Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) protest against what they term “police killings”.

We are all for the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) investigations of these incidents and we trust its personnel to be fair and objective in its findings.

I found out last week that when a police officer is under investigation his pay is reduced by 25 per cent. I am making no apology for brutality; my blog has been calling for justice for Mario Deane ever since he was beaten to death on August 6, 2014. His is the lead photo on my cover page.

However, JFJ’s hammering of our security forces must be demoralising for those brave and decent officers who put their lives on the line to protect us. Let us be balanced in our utterances.

Congratulations, Prime Minister!

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who completed his doctorate last year, joined the commencement ceremony at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, to be conferred with the Doctor of Law and Policy degree. Comments on the event included questions about him finding the time to do this; however, we know that the busiest individuals are the highest achievers.

The prime minister’s thesis was titled From the States to the Streets: The Impact of US Gun Laws on Gun Violence in Jamaica. We look forward to discussions around the data collected and the conclusions drawn on this burning issue.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.

Dr Andrew Holness

Jamaicans are scheduled to go to the polls by September.