ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):

The minority opposition Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) yesterday expressed concern over plans by the Roosevelt Skerrit government to table broadcast legislation in parliament.

DFP executive member Swanston Carbon has also called on the Media Workers Association of Dominica (MWAD) to seriously examine the contents of the proposed legislation.

"We are concerned about it and as journalists you should be concerned about it too," Carbon said, recalling the first failed attempt to pass a similar law in the 1970s.

"That act, when they tried to pass it, resulted in mass protest, the breaking up of the parliament, to prevent that act from passing. We felt at the time that the protection of freedom of expression had to be maintained," he said.

Written to PM

Carbon said he was not satisfied with the media's response to the proposed legislation even though MWAD had written a letter to Prime Minister Skerrit on the issue.

"The press is silent about it. It is not enough just to write a letter about it," said Carbon, a former government legislator.

"The press needs to mobilise the people and make them know the consequences of this act. When you lose your freedom the sovereignty of the country is at threat and the press has a responsibility to protect the people."

Public support

MWAD president Thalia Remy said her organisation is concerned about the implications of the proposed legislation but will need support from the general public.

"There is no way that MWAD could do this by itself. Until media workers realise that we really need to come together then we will not achieve anything," she said. "Unity is key as an organisation. The next step is to join other members, individuals and groups within civil society to go forward,"

The government has not said when the legislation will be presented to Parliament for debate.