Journalists urged to be just

Minister of the Open Bible Church in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, Everal Edwards has urged journalists to be vigilant in their efforts to defend democracy.

Edwards, who was speaking at a service to mark the start of National Journalism Week at the Boulevard Open Bible Church in St Andrew, said safeguarding democracy required more than accepting defined rules.

"People make rules and systems work. It is the responsibility of each individual, since individuals shape the character and impact of institutions."

Edwards charged the media to act justly in carrying out its duties and to avoid discrimination.

"Treat the next person the way you would like to be treated," he reminded the congregation, including journalists who turned out in full force.

"If we were to be just a little more just in how we deal with each other in our day-to-day interactions, our court system would stand a better chance at being more efficient, less burdened and less exposed to the manoeuvres of smart attorneys. Justice ought not to be reserved only for the rich and favoured."

Edwards said the media should lead the campaign for change against decadence and corruption, commenting that it should avoid promoting cynicism.

Danger zone

"We enter a real danger zone when our response to decadence and corruption is that others did it, so we have the right to do it too. That is the breeding ground for the cynicism and disillusionment that affects so many Jamaicans today. We are not going to preserve anything with this approach," he declared to rousing applause.

President of the Press Association of Jamaica, Jenni Campbell, similarly charged journalists to lead the crusade for change. She said the media must work together to effect positive outcomes.

"If it is that we intend to live in Jamaica, land we love, we must agree that things must be done differently, and as we stand in the gap - peddling truth, rights and integrity, we must be prepared to lead from our sphere of influence," she said.

After the service, Sagicor Life Jamaica hosted a brunch for the media at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel on Waterloo Road.