In an unprecedented transfer, the federal government of Grenada made headlines on Thursday by denying media representatives entry to the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed cupboard ministers.
This exclusion marks a big departure from Grenada’s fashionable historical past and has raised considerations about transparency and press freedom inside the nation.
Reacting strongly to the federal government’s resolution, the Media Staff Affiliation of Grenada (MWAG) issued a scathing condemnation, describing the transfer as a “harmful new low” within the authorities’s relationship with the unbiased press.
Historic exclusion raises eyebrows
This marks the primary time in Grenada’s modern historical past that the media has been excluded from such a pivotal authorities occasion.
MWAG didn’t mince phrases in its official assertion, accusing the federal government of displaying “complete contempt” for each the native media and the Grenadian folks.
Calls for for an evidence and dedication to entry
In response to the federal government’s exclusionary stance, the Media Staff Affiliation of Grenada has demanded a full rationalization for the choice, an apology from the federal government, and a dedication to make sure that such restrictions on media entry don’t recur sooner or later.
The affiliation’s calls for underscore the significance of upholding press freedom and transparency inside the nation.
Experiences are that no visuals or particulars have been made accessible to media retailers from the ceremony.
Authorities’s silence continues
Including to the rising unease, the Media Staff Affiliation of Grenada revealed that the federal government has imposed a 24-hour moratorium on talking with the press following the formalization of the brand new cupboard.
This transfer follows the elimination of weekly post-cabinet briefings and a authorities official’s assertion that the media will solely learn on a “need-to-know foundation.”
