PAJ, MAJ cautiously celebrate improved press freedom ranking

Media stakeholders have welcomed Jamaica's movement from eighth to sixth out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, but they are concerned about legislation that could reverse the gains made.

"While we are happy about Jamaica's improved ranking, we cannot relax. We must be vigilant as the erosion of press freedom can be insidious," said Dionne Jackson Miller, president of the Press Association of Jamaica.

The Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) pointed out that the Defamation Act continues to hamper journalists' efforts to expose corruption.

"We should be further cautious that the proposed Data Protection Bill, for which we understand the rationale and intent, has the potential, based on the media's interpretation, to remove the protection of journalists' sources, a feature of journalism that is considered sacrosanct, with the worst-case effect of endangering lives," the MAJ stated.

Senator Ruel Reid, information minister, indicated that the new ranking is positive news for the country's development but that more work needs to be done. "It adds to the level of transparency and probity that our country is known for, although there are still issues of corruption that we are trying to eradicate from our culture."

The index is compiled by Reporters Without Borders, a free-press group, through an evaluation of media independence, abuse, and the legislative infrastructure that supports the gathering and production of news.

Jamaica is the highest-ranked Caribbean country, with Norway topping the list. The United Kingdom and the United States are ranked at 40 and 45, respectively.