Freedom of the Press - Grenada (2006)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 7
Political Influences: 10
Economic Pressures: 6
Total Score: 23

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 71
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (53 percent), Anglican (13.8 percent), other Protestant (33.2 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Black (82 percent), mulatto (13 percent), European and East Indian (5 percent)
Capital: St. George's

Freedom of the press is guaranteed under Grenadian law. However, the government has been known to prosecute journalists under slander and libel laws, and relations between the government and the media, which had deteriorated in 2004, continued to be fractious. A main source of tension in 2005 was media coverage of the inquiry into the allegation that Prime Minister Keith Mitchell had received an improper payment. In May, the prime minister and Cable & Wireless PLC reached a settlement in a libel suit brought against the company in 2004 after users of its website posted remarks about the alleged bribe. Libel suits against several journalists remain pending. The Media Workers Association of Grenada expressed concern about pressure exerted on radio stations by the government to discourage unfavorable reports. Of particular concern is the lack of transparency in the process by which the government grants broadcast licenses. In September, the prime minister's press secretary stirred controversy when he told the state-owned Grenada Broadcasting Network radio that he found Grenada's media to be "too political" and expressed doubts about the merits of a Freedom of Information Act. Grenada has 5 television stations, 11 radio stations, 4 newspapers, and 5 periodicals. Though less than 10 percent of the population has the means to access the internet, the government does not place restrictions on access for those who can.