Jamaica Government Called On To Give Urgent Attention To Amending Access To Information Act

KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 3, (CMC) – The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has called on the Andrew Holness-led administration to give urgent attention to making “long-awaited” amendments to the Access to Information Act and the repealing of the Official Secrets Act.

In a release issued, today, to mark World Press Freedom Day, the PAJ said the appeal is in keeping with this year’s theme of “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms – This is your right!”

“The thrust of this year’s theme is of particular relevance to us here, in the Caribbean, as we continue to push for more transparency and access to information from those in authority,” says PAJ President, Dionne Jackson Miller.

Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) President, Dionne Jackson Miller. Photo by Sasha Henriques.

“The relevance of the theme can be seen in reference to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and, in particular, Goal 16, which is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all and building effective accountable institutions at all levels,” the release said.

The PAJ president said it is in this context that the PAJ is, again, highlighting the long overdue amendments to the Access to Information Act and the need to repeal the Official Secrets Act – “an incongruous and anachronistic law, which is out of step with the modern emphasis on transparency and accountability”.

The PAJ says while Jamaica celebrates its continued high ranking on the World Press Freedom Index 2016, it remembers colleagues in countries where press freedom is not given a similarly high priority.

The advocacy group Reporters Without Borders has noted that during the last 10 years, more than 700 reporters have been killed, globally, in the line of duty.

“The PAJ joins with press freedom organisations across the world in calling for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists. The Association will therefore be asking members at the next General Meeting to consider supporting the call by Reporters Without Borders for the UN to create the position of Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary General for the Safety of Journalists.”

Concerning the state of media workers here, the PAJ said a special meeting will be held, later this month, during which issues related to working conditions, poor salaries and the consequent negative impact on the profession will be discussed.