Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has cautioned the Liberian media to remain objective, report the truth guided by a sense of patriotism. He assured the media of protection for press freedom under the Government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to report without hindrance, but within the confines of the law. Minister Kruah reminded media entities of their patriotic duty to protect Liberia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially during critical periods like the recent border incident between Guinea and Liberia. The Minister’s message was transmitted through a statement delivered on his behalf by his Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Mr. E. Frederick Baye, at the recent celebration of the 15th Anniversary of The Eyes of The Globe Newspaper, in Monrovia.
The Labour Minister described the free press as an important catalyst to democratic Governance and a critical partner to national peace, development, and labour transformation. He commended The Publisher of The Eyes of The Globe Newspaper, Mr. Paul Bordoe and his management team for the level of coverage of the ongoing labour reform programs and urged the Leadership of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), to advance and seek financial and manpower capacity building support, not only to a few leading media outlets, but also the struggling grassroots newspapers who are striving to survive under the current difficult financial circumstances, marred by lack of advertisements from large private sector conglomerates and Government institutions. In special remarks at the program, held at the YMCA Building on Broad Street, PUL President Mr. Julius Kanubah, Publisher of Aftic Daily Newspaper Joseph Tombay, among other media personnel, called for collaboration among media entities across the country in enhancing professional reportage.
Earlier, a leading social blogger, Jerome Karngbe, expressed complete disappointment over what he called ‘the consistent boycott of major media-related programs, including funerals of journalists by heads of major media organizations, including newspapers and radio stations. Mr. Karngbe added that this behavior by the so-called ‘big fish media’ is driving a negative divide among news organs across the country and must stop. Earlier, The Eyes of The Globe Newspaper Publisher Paul Bordoe presented certificates in various categories to several individuals, including Labour Minister Kruah, LINA Director-General Trokon Tarr, Police IG Col. Gregory Coleman, and NASSCORP Director-General Dewitt Vonballmoos, among others, for their support towards press freedom. The program was attended by a cross-section of Liberian media, business entities, grassroots civil society organizations, and well-wishers.
