Tuesday February 18th 2008, St. George’s: Grenada’s Minister of Information, Sen. the Hon. Einstein Louison says he is very concerned about a recent issue related to a Jamaican National believed to be working in Grenada for the Hamlet Mark Media Group.

Senator Louison said that he is alarmed that there is a perception that journalists are not permitted to travel and work freely into Grenada. “We have never had an issue with journalists working in Grenada and we don’t intend for one to be made now,” Minister Louison said. “In fact, Ms. Thomas has been here working for over a month,” Minister Louison remarked.

However, the Information Minister says he is equally concerned about a large number of misleading statements which have been made on this matter. In this regard, the Minister stated today that Grenada respects press freedom as a right of the people and is fully committed to the CSME agreement which provides for movement of skilled nationals and which makes special provisions for journalists. “I have investigated this matter fully and I am satisfied that it is an immigration matter. My investigations have revealed that the Immigration Office acted within the law. However, it is regrettable that Ms. Tenesha Thomas and her employer Mr. Hamlet Mark did not see it fit to comply with the law.  It is also unfortunate that the journalists in question have not admitted their culpability and have instead sought to turn this into a political issue by blaming the Prime Minister and the Government for their carelessness. ”Minister Louison stated.  

In the interest of press freedom, and with the full support of the Government, the Minister of Information today intervened and made representation to allow Ms. Thomas to stay in Grenada to complete her assignment.