In a recent response to commentary from Julian Rogers of Caribbean Bridges, published on Dominica News Online and Nature Isle News, the Government of Dominica has defended what it states is its longstanding commitment to media engagement and transparency. The article, titled Silencing the messenger? Media freedom and the democratic strain in Dominica, was published on April 8. It claimed a significant lack of interaction between the government and the press, as well as an alleged silencing of the media. In a press release, the Office of the Prime Minister characterized these assertions as “inaccurate” and emphasized that they do not reflect the reality of its ongoing efforts to ensure open communication.
The commentary from Rogers highlighted the reported absence of regular press conferences and suggested that the government was limiting press freedom. In response, the Prime Minister’s Office pointed out that it hosts regular press conferences, chaired by the Press Secretary, to provide updates on national affairs, policy initiatives, and ongoing government projects. These conferences are open, interactive, and are broadcast live across major radio stations and various digital platforms, ensuring accessibility for the widest audience possible, stated the release.
Furthermore, the government emphasized that its ministers and senior technical staff regularly participate in press briefings focused on development efforts and policy discussions. These structured events allow for live media coverage, enabling journalists to engage directly by posing questions. All local and regional media houses reportedly receive timely and consistent invitations to attend these briefings.
The response asserts that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has also made himself readily available for a broad spectrum of interviews with national, regional, and international media outlets, marking a commitment to media engagement. This openness is complemented by ongoing communication between the Press Secretary’s Office and media practitioners, enhancing the government’s relationship with the press.
The government also maintains a dedicated online news portal at pressroomopm.gov.dm, which is updated routinely with important information regarding national projects, policy decisions, and press releases. Moreover, the Government Information Service (GIS) streams major functions live to further facilitate public access to information.
In addressing the calls for transparency in the electoral reform process, the Government of Dominica noted that extensive public consultations were conducted prior to the recent approval of related legislation by Parliament. It maintains its position that these consultations engaged a wide array of stakeholder groups and were broadcast across multiple media platforms, thus further ensuring public engagement in the democratic process.
The press release underscores what it terms “the irony” that advocates for government accountability sometimes neglect the fundamental journalistic principle of thorough research. It further claimed that when seasoned commentators describe Dominica’s democratic landscape as fragile or suggest repression within its media environment, they risk creating a misleading narrative that could affect national perception, investment confidence, and public morale.
Additionally, the government expressed concern about the implications such narratives have on the civil servants and public officials who work diligently to foster a responsive and transparent governance system. The mischaracterization of their efforts, the press release argued, is both unfair and inaccurate.
In closing, the Government of Dominica reaffirmed its commitment to a free and open press, and to fostering an environment conducive to meaningful, fact-based discourse.
Read full OPM statement below:
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