Thomas

The government of Grenada yesterday reversed a decision to expel Jamaican journalist, Tenesha Thomas, saying she would now be allowed to complete her assignment in that country.

Last week, immigration officials gave her 24 hours to leave the country after claiming she had mistakenly been authorised to remain there until August.

Following mounting pressure from regional and international media groups the Grenadian government intervened, saying it had no issue with journalists working freely in that country.

Enstein Louison, information minister in Grenada, said the Keith Mitchell-led government "which respects press freedom" was also "very concerned" about the situation leading to the decision of the immigration authorities to expel Thomas.

Jamaica's Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Dr Ken Baugh told The Gleaner on Friday that the Government would investigate the matter.

He said that, based on information received, there was no justification for the action by the Grenadian authorities.

Immigration officials had given the Jamaican jour-nalist until August to stay in the country, but later indicated that the correct date should have been February 8.

Louison said he was "alarmed that there is a perception that journalists are not permitted to travel and work freely in Grenada".

He added: "We have never had an issue with journalists working in Grenada and we don't intend for one to be made now. In fact, Ms Thomas has been here working for over a month."

According to Louison, his government respects press freedom as a right of the people.

He said the government was committed to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, which provides for movement of skilled nationals and makes special provisions for journalists.

Thomas is employed to Caribupdate, a regional news agency based in Florida. She arrived in Grenada on January 1 to report on the build-up to the country's general election.