Local News

TRAINEE JOURNALISTS WARNED OF LIBEL AND OTHER “ARCHAIC LAWS”

St. George’s, March 18, 2010 (GIS) – A leading attorney wants to see more locally organised training programmes for Grenadian media workers.

Ruggles Ferguson, a senior partner in Ciboney Chambers and former president of the Grenada Bar Association, believes that not enough opportunity is taken to put on training exercises in media and journalism.

“We desperately need that.  If you were to branch off, this profession would have served you well,’’ Mr Ferguson told a group of trainee journalists Wednesday.

The training, facilitated by author and veteran journalist Lincoln Depradine, was organised by the Ministry of Information, through the Government Information Service (GIS).

The four-part workshop covered the basics of video editing, news writing and presentation, as well as media, ethics and law.

Special presentations were also delivered on interviewing, using the internet and other “new media’’ tools, the importance of having a strong academic base for working in media and public relations, and having a professional approach to work and self.

“You are not to fit in but to stand out,’’ public relations consultant Eddie Frederick said in a guest lecture.  “You have to look good, and dispense knowledge with a high standard of conduct.’’

Other special presenters were communication specialist Troy Garvey; broadcaster George Grant; journalist Michael Bascombe; Media Workers Association of Grenada president Rawle Titus; senior GIS employees, Leslie-Ann Johnson and Hilderbrand James; and Hugh Whyte, webmaster for the Government of Grenada.

Mr Ferguson, who wrote professionally for many years and once edited a local newspaper, said his media experience has helped in his transition to law.

“The principles of writing stay with you. Being able to write effectively is something that is not only good for your profession, but also for carrying you through life,’’ said the prominent lawyer, who is vice-president of the OECS Bar Association.

To aid him in his media work, Mr. Ferguson learnt writing in shorthand. He still uses it today, one of only two Grenadian lawyers who write shorthand.

“It is invaluable to me up to this day,’’ he said.  “I take all my notes and evidence in shorthand.  Journalism has served me in very good stead.’’

Mr Ferguson, emphasizing the need for training, said there are “archaic laws on the books that affect journalists in negative ways.’’

He said an issue such as libel is “serious business.’’ Mr Ferguson added that journalists and aspiring media workers also have to understand and be “very comfortable’’ with other legal concepts, including slander and sedition.

The graduating class of the media training programme was congratulated by Senator Arley Gill, Minister of State with responsibility for Information.  He also presented them with certificates.

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