Barbadians will soon have the opportunity to comment on a number of proposed pieces of legislation designed to improve governance in the island. These include a draft freedom of information bill.Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Maxine McClean made the disclosure this morning at the start of a regional consultation to examine a UNESCO model of journalism education curricula at the Pommarine in Hastings.
Senator McClean told the meeting organised by the Community College, the Caribbean Institute of Media and Community and UNESCO. These were also part of government’s plans to create transparency in its operations.
“The draft freedom of information bill is complete, and is being prepared for circulation to the public. Communications strategy has been spelt out for approval by cabinet. It is expected that there will be a series of town hall meetings and other opportunities for Barbadians to provide feedback, and I therefore encourage you, as journalist, those of you who are practitioners and otherwise, to take time out to read and comment on that legislation
Caribbean Director of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Dr. Kwame Boafo, says the model seeks to set a benchmark for training for preparing journalists who can contribute to enhancing sociocultural, economic and political development in their regions or countries.Dr. Boafo said, “Indeed, promoting development independent and pluralistic media supporting quality and high standard journalism, and strengthening journalistic training institutions are all essential to the development of the nation as a whole”..
