The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) has formally responded to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s recent televised commentary regarding the absence of regular government press briefings and journalist conduct at previous engagements. Issued on Monday, January 5, the statement aims to rectify what the association describes as inaccurate representations of longstanding media concerns spanning three years.
MWAG emphasizes that transparency issues were raised early in the current administration’s tenure, including during a direct meeting with the prime minister. The administration’s initial action involved discontinuing scheduled press engagements, with Prime Mitchell publicly announcing information would be distributed on a “need-to-know” basis—a approach that raised significant concerns within media circles about governmental transparency.
The association clarifies that journalists have never objected to the volume of information disseminated by the government. Rather, media professionals welcome comprehensive and timely information serving public interest. The core concern centers on the structure of government news conferences, which prioritize sequential presentations over interactive dialogue. This format consistently limited opportunities for journalists to question, clarify, and scrutinize issues on behalf of the public.
MWAG refutes suggestions that journalists disengaged due to being overwhelmed by information, characterizing this assertion as misleading. The actual problem resided in the lack of coherent focus and adequate questioning time during these engagements. Regarding virtual participation, the association notes that hybrid formats have long been facilitated through government communications teams using Zoom credentials distributed to media houses. Any technical disconnection experienced by the prime minister should have been addressed through proper technical arrangements standard in hybrid events.
The association reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the Grenadian government, emphasizing that regular, well-structured press briefings with sufficient questioning time remain fundamental to transparent governance and democratic accountability. MWAG stands ready to collaborate in good faith to improve these arrangements for public benefit.