A FREE press is a vital institution which must be defended with the understanding that it is essential for the progress and resilience of Caribbean democracy.

This according to chief executive of One Caribbean Media (OCM) Dawn Thomas who was speaking at the presentation of the overall 2025 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature and the winner of the 2025 Bocas Henry Swanzy Award for Distinguished Service to Caribbean Letters at the APA Theatre 1, UTT at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on Saturday evening.

“(Saturday) is World Press Freedom Day and, as such, I want to highlight the essential role of a free press in our society. A free press is the cornerstone of democracy; it is the vehicle through which truth is uncovered, issues are debated, and voices that might otherwise be silenced are given space to be heard. A healthy, independent media encourages transparency, accountability, and dialogue, elements necessary for our communities to thrive. It is through this openness that we can address pressing social issues, challenge injustices, and promote understanding across our diverse cultures,” she said.