Freedom of the Press - Dominica (2005)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 2
Political Influences: 8
Economic Pressures: 7
Total Score: 17

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 74
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (77 percent), Protestant (15 percent), other (8 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Mostly black and mulatto, Carib Amerindian
Capital: Roseau

The constitution guarantees freedom of the press. The media operate without government restrictions and are often critical of reigning administrations. The Association of Caribbean Media Workers expressed concern regarding authorities' verbal attacks on journalists, particularly around the time of the by-election in April, following the sudden death of Prime Minister Pierre Charles in January. On the day of the by-election, two Kairi FM radio station reporters were harassed and threatened by supporters of the majority Dominica Labour Party. The opposition candidate is the managing director of Kairi FM. The Media Workers Association of Dominica was concerned that the verbal attacks by government ministers encouraged public hostility toward journalists. There is no daily newspaper, but there are several weekly publications. Dominica has five public and private radio stations. There are no national television services, but a private cable television network does cover part of the island.