Jamaica’s Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan, envisions a promising avenue for collaboration between Jamaica and Guyana in the realm of media.
After a tour of Guyana’s State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) on Thursday (May 2), the Minister expressed admiration for the nation’s vibrant public and private media scene.
Particularly noteworthy to him was the seamless integration of technology in communication strategies.
Areas of collaboration
Minister Morgan highlighted several areas ripe for cooperation between the two countries.
Foremost among these is the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting. Additionally, he proposed an exchange of ideas on managing the pervasive issue of misinformation and disinformation.
Leveraging social and new media platforms for disseminating vital information also emerged as a potential area of synergy.
Policy dialogue and structural efficiency
Expanding on the scope of collaboration, Minister Morgan emphasized the importance of discussing regulatory frameworks and optimizing media ecosystems for efficiency.
Welcoming partnerships
Expressing Jamaica’s receptiveness to collaboration, Minister Morgan underscored the historical amity between the two nations.
He emphasized the mutual learning opportunities, with Jamaica poised to glean insights from Guyana and vice versa.
UNESCO World Press Freedom Day observances
Minister Morgan’s visit to Guyana coincides with UNESCO World Press Freedom Day observances, underscoring the significance of media freedom and cooperation.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is slated for ceremonial signing, symbolizing the commitment to deepen bilateral ties and knowledge-sharing.
Advocating for press integrity
During his engagement, Minister Morgan delivered a keynote address at an awards ceremony and media appreciation reception.
He participated in a panel discussion themed ‘A Press for the Planet…Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,’ emphasizing the pivotal role of traditional media in informing the public about climate change impacts.
Guardians against misinformation
Minister Morgan stressed the vital role of traditional media as a bastion of accuracy and integrity, particularly in combatting misinformation.
While acknowledging the value of new media in extending information reach, he underscored the irreplaceable function of traditional media in safeguarding public interest.
