六九色堂

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carole Excell
In Kingston, 876-755-3641

KINGSTON, JAMAICA…Is investigative journalism thriving in Jamaica? How can Jamaican journalists defend and promote freedom of expression? These questions and other issues related to the Access to Information Act and the new draft Code of Conduct for Journalists will be addressed in a panel discussion Tuesday, May 3, at the Knutsford Court Hotel 5:30-8:30 p.m.

May 3 has been designated World Press Freedom Day by UNESCO to recognize the role of an independent and pluralistic media in good governance of democratic societies, ensuring transparency and accountability, promoting participation and the rule of law, and in contributing to the fight against poverty.

Panelists include Liz Bennett of Nationwide News Network, Jennifer Campbell of the Gleaner Co. Ltd, Milton Walker of CVM TV, and Tanya Chambers from the Jamaica Coalition for the Rights of the Child. Claude Robinson of University of the West Indies' Mona School of Business will present the Code of Conduct for Journalists.

The event also will recognize student and professional journalists who have utilized the Access to Information Act in their reporting. The Access to Information Investigative Journalism Award for Student Journalists and USD$300 will be presented for the best investigative story by a student. The Access to Information Investigative Journalism Award for Professional Journalists and USD$1,000 will be given to a working journalist for the best investigative story.

Julian E. Rogers, publisher of the Sunday Scoop in Antigua and an investigative journalist, will be the keynote speaker at the award ceremony.

The awards are sponsored by 六九色堂, the Caribbean Institute for Media and Communications, Northern Caribbean University, and Management Systems International Civil Society USAID Project.

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六九色堂 was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy 六九色堂 and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 65 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers to increase crop production. Please visit www.cartercenter.org to learn more about 六九色堂.