Carimac UWI

MAY 3. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2026 is “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security”.

We at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) believe in the centrality of communication to human development and the critical role that media and information systems must play in the overall development of society.

For over five decades CARIMAC has been a pioneer in media and communication training and education at the University of the West Indies (UWI) providing instruction and direction consistent with our mission to promote socio-economic development and Caribbean cultural identity.

On this World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026, CARIMAC stands in support of a free independent media in advancing global peace, safety and security, and sustainable development for all. Several activities over this WPFD weekend reaffirm our commitment to advancing the communication for development and free press agenda.

On May 1, CARIMAC joined the UNESCO Caribbean and Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica for their WPFD Media Leaders Breakfast Meeting to share research and reflections on the theme: Shaping a Future at Peace - Freedom, Resilience and Transformation in the Digital Age.

In a changing media landscape where artificial intelligence and automation are influencing newsroom practices, content generation, storytelling and audience analytics, CARIMAC must remain grounded in ensuring values of responsibility, accountability, resilience, and transformation.

As Kimiko Scott, Journalism lecturer and programme coordinator emphasizes, “Institutions like CARIMAC are placing greater emphasis on multimedia storytelling, data journalism, audience analytics, and digital content production – all while still grounding students in ethics, accuracy, and public interest reporting”.

On May 2, CARIMAC in collaboration with UNESCO and BCJ concluded a week-long Community Radio Training and Live Disaster Simulation (April 27 – May 2) with a rapid set-up of a temporary low-power FM radio station under emergency conditions in Port Royal.

The workshop was facilitated by Mike Adams, an international expert in emergency broadcasting and humanitarian communications, with community radio volunteers from Charles Town, Portland and Jeffrey Town, St Mary joining others from Kingston and Port Royal.

Thanks to the partnership of Spectrum Management Authority, the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust we can continue to create opportunities for voice and action from those most impacted by various global crises in our towns and communities.

Join us on Tuesday, May 5 for the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s Live Webinar – Navigating Change, Protecting Press Freedom – for a conversation on strengthening Caribbean media, democratic values, and societal resilience. Register at https://bit.ly/cbu-wpfd2026

“World Press Freedom Day reminds us that press freedom is not just about the absence of restriction—it is about the presence of responsibility, the pursuit of truth, and the protection of public trust.” – Kimiko Scott, CARIMAC.

CARIMAC Open Week 2026 | APRIL 7-10

Four wonderful days of student creativity, experimentation, and innovation in animation, film and digital media production, immersive storytelling and investigative journalism on show.

Hundreds of students, industry professionals, employers, faculty and staff sharing insights, inspiration, thought-shifting reflections, and constructive dialogue, critique, and networking.

From the CINEMAC Pre-Show and the CARIMAC-Aggrey Brown Distinguished Lecture to Portfolio Night and DigiTimes.

From research and analysis to strategy planning and design decisions, ex*****on and storytelling.

CARIMAC Open Week 2026 was one unforgettable experience!

CARIMAC welcomes UNESCO for an official visit as we continue strengthening our shared commitment to truth, media integrity, and public trust.

Through our collaboration on Truth Yard — a fact verification platform launched in response to the spread of misinformation after Hurricane Melissa — we have been working to empower Jamaicans with accurate, reliable information when it matters most.

We are honoured to host Professor Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, for this special visit. During the occasion, CARIMAC will receive equipment to support and expand the ongoing work of Truth Yard, ensuring the fight against misinformation continues with even greater impact.

Plot Twist: A Practice-Based Media Arts Experiment in Screenplay Narratology | Miss Rae-ann Smith | Monday, December 15, 2025

Sonjah Stanley Niaah, PhD | Professor of Cultural Studies, UWI Mona | 5:00 p.m. Friday December 12, 2025 | UWI RHQ Council Rm

UNESCO advocates for media resilience aftter Hurricane Melissa While providing food, water, and shelter is the immediate priority following a natural disaster, UNESCO highlights why access to information is an equally cr...