Freedom of the Press - Saint Lucia (2007)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 4 (of 30)
Political Environment: 7 (of 40)
Economic Environment: 5 (of 30)
Total Score: 16 (of 100)
(Lower scores = freer)

Freedom of speech and of the press are legally guaranteed and generally upheld by the authorities. In November 2006, the Parliament repealed Section 361 of the criminal code, which had prescribed imprisonment for those convicted of publishing news that endangered the "public good." Prime Minister Kenny Anthony admitted that it had been difficult to successfully prosecute cases under the provision since it took effect in early 2005. The Association of Caribbean Media Workers, which had led a campaign against Section 361, hailed the repeal of what it called a dangerous measure. No attacks on the media were reported during the year. St. Lucia has three television stations and seven radio stations, all of them private apart from the state-owned Radio St. Lucia. There are three weekly newspapers and two that are published three times a week. There are no government restrictions on the internet, which was accessed by over 32 percent of the population in 2006.