Ferret out corruption, PAJ chair tells journalists

Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Staff Reporter

As the country continues to battle with incidents of corruption, a call is being made for the media to play their part in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Wyvolyn Gager, chairman of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Advisory Council and former editor-in-chief at The Gleaner, believes the media have to be more strident in strengthening institutions such as the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) in order to fulfil its mandate of eradicating corruption.

"Corruption retards economic and social development and it drives away investment. Democracy is strengthened when we properly investigate and report on corruption," she said, while addressing persons at the World Press Freedom Day Forum that was held yesterday at the Knutsford Court Hotel in St Andrew.

"Democracy is also strengthened when the media ensure that the institutions established to ensure accountability are protected from overzealous politicians who would seek to strip them of their authority. I must make reference to the OCG. There are Government and private-sector interests who argue that the office is a deterrent to development, however, please let us not allow special interests and politicians to strip that office of its authority and weaken it," she urged.

Protect public

The chairman also called on the media to be diligent in protecting the rights of the public.

"Jamaica is rated as the most corrupt country in the Western Hemisphere yet there are so few stories about corruption in our media. Who are these corrupt individuals and what activities are they involved in?" she asked.

"Yes, I know the libel laws are stringent, however, I feel that with diligent research and tenacity we could do a much better job. Journalism should not be a chore and you cannot merely follow orders - your duty is to do what is right and never be blind to what is wrong," she declared.

In the meantime, Alison Bethel McKenzie, executive director of the International Press Institute (IPI), who was guest speaker at the event, said it is imperative that the media make every effort to practise their craft professionally.

"While many journalists continue to encounter obstacles in exercising their profession freely, it is of absolute importance that journalists pursue their jobs ethically," she charged.

McKenzie noted that with media freedom comes responsibility, not statutory responsibility, but voluntary standards and ethical practices. "The fundamental standards of accuracy, fairness and balance are essential and I urge all of us to pride ourselves on fair and professional reporting," said McKenzie.