CAMASEJ General Assembly
Ambassador
Ambassador Garvey’s Remarks at the CAMASEJ General Assembly
Buea, South West Province
July 18, 2008; 0900 hrs
Provincial Delegate for Communication
Chairman of CAMASEJ
Distinguished guests
Good morning. I am very pleased to be part of your General Assembly this morning, in particular because today marks a number of firsts. I am very happy to be the first American Ambassador to address this distinguished group of journalists. I’m especially pleased to be here on your first general assembly election in four years. It is gratifying to know that you take your democratic responsibility very seriously and decided against postponing elections again. Finally, this is also my first – but certainly not last – visit to Buea. I hope that my presence and that of the provincial delegate for communication are clear indications of the high value we place on the media in a democratic society.
This importance is based on the vital role the media plays in ensuring transparency, accountability, and promoting participation in decision making. I do not believe that any institution or organization has a monopoly on the truth. It is through the open discussion of issues, “the market place of ideas” if you will, that democracy advances. Cameroonians need to be well informed in order to make good decisions. The "public's right to know" should remain at the core of Cameroonian media. A strong media can be a truly powerful force for positive change and economic growth in Cameroon.
I would like to congratulate the executives of the CAMASEJ board for their hard work during their mandate. CAMASEJ created a new chapter in Douala and revamped existing ones in places such as Kumba. The association organized training workshops on election coverage and on the principles and practices of good writing. This general assembly will surely be an occasion to revisit the many achievements since you last met.
CAMASEJ and the U.S. Embassy have built a very strong and durable relationship over the last two years, but there is still much work to be done. Together we must continue to professionalize in the media, build the capability of investigative journalism, and improve on reporting in a balanced and fair manner. Among these challenges, it is also very important to continue to combat corruption in the profession. Credibility is your most valuable resource. It is just as unacceptable for journalists to ask for compensation to cover a story or accept an envelope from someone to write a story in a particular way as it is for someone to ask a journalist to tailor his reporting to suit a particular individual or group.
But despite the challenges, I believe there are good reasons to be optimistic about the media’s future in Cameroon. I support and applaud those of you who speak out in favor of colleagues and against those who would impede a free press. I also salute those who have put their lives in harm’s way to protect the freedom of expression and to protect your rights as journalists to print the truth. As many of you know, the U.S. is a society that believes deeply in a free and independent press, and our Embassy will continue to support and speak out about the need for a free press – here in Cameroon and around the world. And we will continue to speak out against censorship, attempts to limit journalists’ ability to do their job, and harassment.
I am pleased that the Minister of Communication recently lifted the suspension of Magic FM and Equinoxe Radio and TV. This decision was supported by media professionals and friends of Cameroon who believe in press freedom and the free exchange of opinions.
There are a few things I would like to mention so you have an idea of what we are doing to promote serious journalism in Cameroon. We’re working with individuals to establish a center for investigative journalism. We are looking at how to help create a news agency that collects credible news stories from you that media houses can use. We are working with the government to help create official press spokesperson offices that will empower them to speak publicly on behalf of their ministries.
It is my hope that members of CAMASEJ will be role models within the media community, setting a standard of competence, hard work and professionalism for other journalists and media associations to follow. I want to assure you that the Embassy stands with you -- the media -- as you strive to be independent, promote press freedom, and improve the media environment in Cameroon. I wish you all a very successful general assembly.
Thank you for inviting me to this wonderful event and I wish you luck on your elections.