Jamaica improves press ranking
Published:Thursday | October 23, 2008 | 9:47 AM
The Press Association of Jamaica PAJ says it is pleased with the improved ranking of Jamaica on the World Press Freedom Index for 2008.
Jamaica has moved up six places from its position last year and now sits in the 21st position.
According to the French based press freedom watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, Jamaica is now leading the Caribbean and the Americas.
President of the PAJ, Bryon Buckley says the association welcomes the ranking and believes this is an indication of the work of the Jamaican media.
Mr Buckley says it is now important for government to move with urgency to pass the libel and defamation law.
He says this will make it easier for journalists to report on public officials.
Mr Buckley says the PAJ is also concerned about the potential influence of special interests within media houses on the determination of news output.
Meanwhile, the report has placed Costa Rica in the 22nd position, Trinidad and Tobago at the 27th. The United States is ranked 36th.