The government of Grenada on Thursday, barred all media representatives from covering the swearing-in ceremony of new cabinet ministers.
Following the stance taken by the government, the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) strongly condemned the decision, calling it a “dangerous new low” in the government’s treatment of the independent press.
This is the first time in Grenada’s modern history that the media has been excluded from such an important government event.
In a statement, MWAG said the government’s actions displayed “total contempt” for local media and the Grenadian people.
The organisation has also demanded a full explanation and apology from the government, as well as a commitment to not restrict media access in the future.
The swearing-in took place on Thursday, but no visuals or details were made available to media outlets.
MWAG’s statement also revealed the government will not speak to the press for 24 hours after the new cabinet is formalised.
This follows previous incidents such as the removal of weekly post-cabinet briefings and a government official telling the media they will be informed on a “need-to-know basis.”
MWAG has called civil society groups, including the Grenada Trade Union Council, Conference of Churches and Bar Association, to condemn the government’s press restrictions.
The Governor General of Grenada, Dame Cecile La Grenade, oversaw the swearing-in ceremony.
The new cabinet was appointed by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who came to power approximately a year and a half ago.
The MWAG statement was signed by the organisation’s president, secretary, assistant secretary, and treasurer.
MWAG has demanded a full explanation and apology from the government over this unprecedented exclusion of independent media.
