Prime Minister Gumbs Congratulates Sint Maarten/St. Martin Journalists on World Press Freedom Day

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Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs

PHILIPSBURG – Sunday 3rd of May marks World Press Freedom Day.  Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs would like to congratulate the nation’s journalist as well as those from the North side of the island (St. Martin) on this internationally renowned day.

The theme this year is “Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.”

“The right to freedom of expression allows journalist to inform about what us going on in order for civil society to be informed of developments taking place here and abroad.  At the same time, journalism comes with a responsibility.

“Civil society expects quality journalism which enables citizens to make informed decisions about developments within their community.  Therefore, I encourage all journalists to continue to uphold the principles of fair and responsible reporting,” Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs said on Sunday.

In 1993, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly established World Press Freedom Day.  Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.