Jamaica jumped two places on the Global Press Freedom Index and now ranks sixth among 180 countries that most respect freedom of information. 

Published annually by Reporters Without Borders, a non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Paris, the index evaluates the level of freedom available to the media throughout the world.

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, pointed to the positive move while speaking in the Senate. 

The Senator said it “is an extremely positive recognition that the world (has paid) to Jamaica.”

“I think that we should commend the Government on the work that has been done and commend our press for the strength which they display,” she added.

Senator Johnson Smith, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, emphasized that the increased dissemination of information during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, continues to demonstrate the commitment the Administration has to the sharing of information and to a strong and free press.

“I want to commend members of the media, civil society, the people of Jamaica and Government for the work that has been done that has resulted in our rising on the Global Press Freedom Index,” she said.

The country had fallen to eighth in the world press freedom ranking in 2019, having been surpassed by Denmark and New Zealand. This year, the country achieved a score of 10.51. Norway is at the top of the list, scoring 7.84.

Jenny Davy, Readers Bureau, Fellow

Edited by Jesus Chan

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