Disclaimer: The views and experiences expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of this publication.
In the spirit of accountability and respect for the ongoing debate surrounding my recent columns on Dominica, I offer this clear reflection to correct the record, acknowledge concerns, and restate my commitment to responsible journalism.
Let me begin with an honest admission: In one of my earlier columns, I mistakenly referred to a court ruling on the arrest of a protestor, suggesting that it related to the recent March 19 protest action. I have since learned that the case I cited involved a prior ruling and was unrelated to the current situation. This was an unintentional conflation, but I take full responsibility for the oversight. A correction was promptly made on the site.
I also want to clarify a second point that, while less publicly debated, deserves explanation. I misunderstood the source in referencing remarks attributed to Kathy Andre during a Zoom discussion on media freedom. The comments were shared by Justice Andre, using his wife’s Zoom account. I joined the session late and relied on an AI-based Zoom Assistant to capture the conversation. As a result, I missed the attribution and included the comments in my column in good faith. However, I sincerely recognise the importance of accuracy in attribution and offer this clarification.
Further, it is worth noting that my reflections on the state of media freedom in Dominica were based on the tone and substance of the Zoom session, which included contributions from various Dominican journalists and civil society members. My observations were shaped by their comments and concerns, not drawn exclusively from personal investigation. While I stand by the importance of media freedom and the need for vigilance, it is also essential that those views are not mistaken as uncorroborated accusations.
I must also acknowledge the role of a journalist on the ground who contributed background information to my piece. In hindsight, I relied too heavily on his prompt but unreviewed input and did not apply the full editorial scrutiny that the situation warranted.
For that, I again accept responsibility.
This is, unquestionably, a sensitive period in Dominica’s political life. In such moments, precision matters. Words matter. And so, too, does tone. I hope that this clarification contributes to a cooling of the current tensions and the opening of space for continued dialogue.
To its credit, the Government of Dominica responded to my commentary, particularly regarding the assertion that press conferences are not held regularly. The government made clear that the Office of the Prime Minister hosts regular briefings and that local and regional media are invited. Furthermore, they reiterated their commitment to supporting a free and responsible press.
I appreciate their response. Constructive engagement between the government and the media is critical to democracy. Maintaining an adversarial posture is not in either side’s interest, nor is it helpful to respond to honest mistakes with hostility. In the end, journalists and public officials serve the same public, and mutual respect must be the foundation of that service.
As someone who has spent a lifetime championing journalism as a tool for social progress and democratic accountability, I have no interest in polemics. My interest is in truth. And in moments like these, truth demands humility as well as courage.
Let us use this moment not to divide further but to deepen the conversation. Let us recommit, together, to respectful discourse, accurate reporting, and the essential, often difficult work of democracy.
Julian Rogers is Media Adviser for the MEDIAROGERS GROUP and Executive Producer of Caribbean Bridges. He is based in Belize.
