Guyana: Rickey Singh Initiative for Excellence in Journalism Launched

Washington, D.C.—The Special Rapporteurship on Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has launched the Rickey Singh Initiative for Excellence in Journalism in the Americas. This initiative aims to foster a hemispheric dialogue focused on enhancing the quality, credibility, independence, and social responsibility of journalism, emphasizing freedom of expression and human rights.

The initiative honors the legacy of Caribbean journalist Rickey Singh (1937–2025), who was known for his dedication to independent journalism and the inclusion of Caribbean perspectives in discussions on democracy and human rights. The launch event took place in Panama City during the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) and included participation from journalists, media representatives, and civil society organizations from various regions of the Americas.

Key speakers at the event included Special Rapporteur Pedro Vaca, the European Union’s Ambassador to Panama, Izabela Matusz, and Sweden’s Ambassador, Pontus Rosenberg. Former IACHR Commissioner Roberta Clarke reflected on Rickey Singh’s contributions, and a roundtable discussion featured nearly 30 journalists and media executives from countries such as the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Peru, Venezuela, and Honduras.

The dialogue addressed contemporary challenges in journalism, including digital transformation, economic sustainability, polarization, loss of public trust, and violence against journalists. It also focused on professional standards, diversity, editorial independence, public accountability, and self-regulatory mechanisms that align with freedom of expression.

The Special Rapporteur’s Office expressed concern over regulatory proposals that may threaten press freedom, advocating instead for an approach centered on professional reflection, transparency, and dialogue among journalists, media outlets, academia, and civil society. The initiative is supported by Particip and its project aimed at promoting independent journalism and combating disinformation, funded by the European Union.

The Rickey Singh Initiative is part of a broader effort by the Special Rapporteur to address challenges and opportunities in promoting equality and combating discrimination in the media. It builds on discussions initiated in May 2024 in Guatemala regarding discriminatory discourse in the media. The initiative will continue to foster ongoing discussions, promote a network for exchange among participants, and establish voluntary principles for journalists and media organizations in the region.

The Special Rapporteur’s Office reaffirms its commitment to fostering a free, pluralistic, and supportive environment for journalism in the Americas, emphasizing the importance of quality journalism in democratic life, public accountability, and the protection of human rights.

Source: demerarawaves.com