Post-cabinet press briefings to resume next week

After months of absence and pressure from the media and civil society groups, the Government has decided to resume post-Cabinet press briefings.

The Ministry of Information advised in a statement Thursday that a press conference has been scheduled for next Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Banquet Hall, Jamaica House.

“At Monday’s meeting of the Cabinet, discussions were held on the importance of reviewing the current framework to ensure that the structures for engagement are appropriate in the context of an evolving media landscape and recognising the importance of providing information to the media fraternity,”.

“Cabinet re-stated its commitment to providing timely information to the public through various media, including regular engagement with journalists. It was therefore confirmed that while adjustments to the approach are being fine-tuned, the Minister responsible for Information, Senator Ruel Reid, will resume briefings related to Cabinet matters, as early as July 11, 2018,”.  

In May, the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) complained that it was unacceptable that there has been no post-cabinet press since November 2017.

The PAJ argued that successive administrations have continued press briefings in the interest of democracy and accountability and expressed disappointment that they have been absent for months.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-449-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.