Samuda says press freedom concerns will be addressed 'in due course'

The minister with responsibility for information Karl Samuda, says the Government will “in due course” address concerns raised by a global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

In it's 2020 world press freedom index released Tuesday, Reporters without Borders ranked Jamaica at sixth of 180 countries.

However, it raised concerns about the proposed data protection law which, among other things, empowers the boss of a new data protection regime to demand information from data sources including journalists.

The law also proposes the registration of personal data before publication.

On Tuesday, the Paris-based organisation also described as a "retrograde step" the Government's decision to increase the fine from $20 to $1 million for taking pictures in the precincts of the courts.

Samuda said while he has not gone through the details of the reports, the government will deal with the issues.

“It’s a process and I’m sure that it will be addressed in due course, no questions,”  he told The Gleaner on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Samuda said he’s not surprised at Jamaica’s improved showing this year.

"This government has reached out to the media generally, and more specifically in some of the areas of greatest concern to the public," he said.

However, in its analysis, Reporters Without Borders also flagged as a matter of concern, Prime Andrew Holness' comment that the media do not have to tell the truth.

IN PHOTO: George Davis

President of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) George Davis, said Jamaica’s high ranking should not be a cause for celebration but a cause of appreciation for media workers who do what they do without fear or favour  and who jealousy guard the rights of people working in media.

Davis is optimistic that the government will reconsider the issues surrounding the data protection act, among others.

“There’s still time for the injurious section in so far as criminalising the press for doing their work is concerned to be expunged,” he said.

A parliamentary committee has considered the data protection legislation and its report is due for debate by the House of Representatives.

The PAJ and the Justice Ministry have opened discussions with a view to getting the Cabinet’s approval to change the law on taking pictures or sketches of prisoners in court.

Norway is ranked first on the press freedom ranking while North Korea is at the bottom at 180th.

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