Expression
Journalists barred from cabinet reshuffle ceremony
On 4th January 2024, journalists were barred from entering the venue on the reshuffle day. The Government later announced that a press conference would be held 48 hours after the event to introduce the new ministers. In protest, journalists refused to attend the press conference, citing their exclusion from the ceremony where the new ministers received their instruments of appointment. There were no independent photographs or videos of the event; all visual documentation remains under Government control.
Reporters Without Borders expressed concern, stating, "RSF was disappointed to see Grenada's government prevent 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.”
Restrictive interview policy for journalists
On 12th February 2024, Calistra Farrier, the 1st Vice President of the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG), publicly denounced what appears to be a restrictive new policy concerning media access to the Prime Minister by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration and urged it to reconsider.
Farrier highlighted that journalists seeking to interview Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell are now required to submit their questions in advance. She shared her experience at the 12th Media Awards ceremony of the association, stating:
I requested an interview with the Prime Minister of the country Dickon Mitchell quite some time [ago] now, 3 or 4 months. I got a message recently saying, unless you give us the questions in advance you will not be allowed to interview the Prime Minister.
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