The Government of Dominica has taken note of the commentary entitled “Media Freedom and the Democratic Strain in Dominica,” recently published by Dominica News Online and Nature Isle News and authored by Mr. Julian Rogers.
The article suggests that there is a lack of meaningful engagement with the press, the absence of regular press conferences, and an overall silencing of the media. These claims are not only inaccurate but also fail to reflect the reality of the Government’s consistent and deliberate efforts to maintain transparency and access to information.
The Office of the Prime Minister hosts regular press conferences, chaired by the Press Secretary, during which the Prime Minister provides comprehensive updates on national affairs, policy initiatives, and ongoing government projects. These conferences are open to the media, interactive in nature, and broadcast live across major radio stations and multiple digital platforms to ensure the widest possible access.
Moreover, Government Ministers and senior technical officers participate in regular press briefings to discuss development efforts and policy matters. These briefings are structured to facilitate live media coverage and to allow journalists to pose questions directly. All media houses, local and regional, receive timely and consistent invitations to these events.
Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has also made himself available for a broad range of interviews with national, regional, and international media outlets. This openness to media engagement is further underscored by the active communication between the Press Secretary’s Office and media practitioners across Dominica and the region.
In addition to direct engagement, the Government maintains a dedicated online news portal-pressroomopm.gov.dm- that is routinely updated with developments on projects, policy decisions, and other matters of national importance. Frequent press releases are issued, and the Government Information Service (GIS) streams major functions live, further enhancing access to public information.
The Government of Dominica also held extensive public consultations on the electoral reform legislation, which was recently approved by the Dominica Parliament. These consultations engaged a broad cross-section of stakeholder groups and were broadcast across multiple media platforms.
These briefings and consultations can all be accessed via:
https://www.youtube.com/@gisdominica https://www.youtube.com/@DominicaGovernment
https://www.facebook.com/SupportRooseveltSkerrit
It is, therefore, ironic that those who advocate for government accountability do not themselves uphold the basic journalistic principle of thorough research. When seasoned commentators suggest that Dominica’s democratic landscape is fragile or that its media environment is repressed, they risk painting a misleading portrait that has serious implications for national perception, investment confidence, and public morale.
The impact of such commentary extends far beyond its political undertone. It affects the hard-working civil servants and public officials who invest considerable effort into building a responsive and transparent system of governance. To mischaracterize their efforts is not only unfair, it is inaccurate.
The Government of Dominica remains committed to a free and open press and to creating the conditions for meaningful, fact-based discourse. Commentators and journalists alike are encouraged to engage with the facts and act with the responsibility that their influential platforms demand.
Disclaimer
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of Nature Isle News (NIN). Opinion pieces can be submitted to editor@natureisle.news
yawning
what a load of B.S government!!!
I have high respect for Mr. Rogers over ALL government boom boom flies for Skerrit
De gentleman has a high regard for truth
He also knows Dominica perhaps even before Skerrit and myself was born.
By your own hand you will dissect and shorten your hand
UWP has so much reach and influence coward Skerrit blames dem for his lack of accountability.
Skerrit is a PUBLIC SERVANT people….remember dat
Mr. Rogers is standing on de outside looking in
when was de last brilliant interview Skerrit had with an internationally recognized journalist
even Mr Rogers would know about something like dat.
20 years in de seat of PM Skerrit
De letter should have indicated which office it is coming from……….Mr Rogers will see right through Skerrit thin skin
so many official letter Skerrit promise to show us and he is a no show for 20 years
he even promise to put Lennox Linton in his place after he opened up a national budget and explained all de details to we de people concerning 1.2 billion dollars state funds dat Skerrit lying about
WE still waiting Skerrit and dat must be one of de blocks on your head…..thus all de arrests after de protest.
de barricade was outside fort young……not de parliament.
as a matter of fact there were 2 barricades
one infront of Bala roundabout……our neg mawon spirit lives, and one just about Fort young entrance.
the one by dat entrance was strategic that’s where de officers in riot gear were posted.
de public didn’t get a chance to reach anywhere near fort young entrance and de riot squad
it’s obvious de riot squad had it’s orders……..they didn’t order themselves
Skerrit lied about saying he leaving politics in 2025
he could have stepped aside with his belly overfull and leave electoral reform for de people
by de way i will leave dat article alone until I see an official copy saying who signed or at least which office de statement came from