MAY 15

About twenty journalists from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are currently in Dominica sharpening their skills on the profession at a one week workshop organised by the United States Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Facilitiated by Martha Steffens, Professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and Assistant Professor Stefen Boyle of the same University, topics covered include the Importance of Accuracy and Fairness, How to Avoid Biased Language, How to Deal With Sourcees, Libel Laws and How to Avoid Problems among other areas.

The workshop, being held at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau, Dominica, is expected to end on Friday. Participants are drawn from Grenada, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as Antigua.

The GRENADA TODAY newspaper is being represented at the workshop by senior staff reporter, Alpha Farray. Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Public Affairs Officer with the US Embassy in Bridgetwon, Kathleen Boyle emphasised the role of the media in maintaining democracy in any country.

She said she is worried about censorship and control of the media in some parts of the world and that it is also taking shape in the Caribbean. Boyle stressed the need for fair reporting saying that journalists do have a special obligation in ensuring that they get their facts right.

She reiterated the need for reporters to get all the facts so that when their articles are published it would not be inflamatory. The Public Affairs Officer noted that the reason for the workshop is because of a common request by journalists for more training.

She stated that due to financial constraints some journalists are unable to travel overseas to sharpen their skills. Boyle pointed out that the role of the embassy is to work with media practitioners in order for them to get the necessary exposure.