Acts of Violence Against Journalists Should Never Be Allowed-Acting PM

Acting Prime Minister Steadroy Benjamin says acts of violence against media professionals in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean should never be allowed to happen

Benjamin made that statement during his keynote speech at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) 54th Annual General Assembly at the Royalton Resort in Antigua.

A Dominican journalist named Carlisle Jno Baptiste had his vehicle firebombed in that country. This incident was allegedly related to the journalist’s coverage of the arrest of a Dominican national in Antigua who was accused of illegal activities.

Recently, there was another attack on journalists in Haiti, a country plagued with violence. This attack resulted in the loss of two lives.

While media workers in other regions like Europe and the Middle East face even worse situations, Benjamin believes that violence against journalists in this region is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

“Look at the journalists killed in some parts of the world. This cannot be our experience in the region. We note the killing of the journalists in Haiti,” he said

“My government condemns these actions in those involved in attacking journalist

Journalists must see an attack on one as an attack on all. They must continue to stand up against the attack by the perpetrators,” Benjamin said

The General Assembly of the CBU was attended by several regional media and business professionals, including Dr. Claire Grant, the organization’s President, and Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Benjamine, also the Attorney General, discussed their actions towards dealing with defamation and protecting freedom of speech.

He mentioned that they have passed legislation to protect against defamation and to ensure freedom of speech.

“We in Antigua and Barbuda have talked the talk and walked the walk. We have passed legislation progressively in the area of defamation, bringing legislation to bear in line with modern jurisprudent,” he said

Also in 2015, less than six months after the elections, Antigua and Barbuda became the first country in the region to repeal criminal libel from the law.

Wednesday marked the final day of the CBU’s 54th Annual General Assembly, lasting four days. The event will conclude with a closed Plenary Session for members of the CBU following Tuesday’s Caribbean Media Awards Gala at Government House.