A prominent local journalist has been elected to a very important international press body.
Anthony Newbold, President of the Bahamas Press Club has been selected as an executive council member of the federation of the ACP press clubs.
This coming during the first ever congress of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) press clubs, bringing together media and other stakeholders from more than 50 countries around the world.
The two-day congress opened on the 20th of October in Kigali, Rwanda, discussions were based on media and communication in a changing global landscape, in addition to best practices, challenges and opportunities involving participants from Eastern Africa, Caribbean, West Africa, central Africa, southern Africa and Pacific
Mr. Newbold explained what this new post means for the country at large.
“First of all the international connection is priceless you can’t pay for that.
“We’re now connected to the European Union. We’re connected to the ACP Secretariat over 40 plus representatives from Western Africa, Central Africa, the Pacific region, and it’s a connection you can’t pay for.
“Part of the mandate of the federation is to provide support for all the participating clubs.
“We’ve even discussed providing some sort fund for journalists who have fallen on hard times or even legal representation, part of forming this federation was to publicize and air issues that are common and unique to all the various clubs,” Mr. Newbold said.
Additionally Mr. Newbold spoke about the comparisons between the press locally and internationally.
“We compare relatively well, with what happens internationally. We have a young press corps in The Bahamas.
“I think when it comes to best practices and things you do as a reporter, and the ethical practices you bring to this profession, you are only enhanced by the association with journalists from other countries,” Mr. Newbold said.
Mr. Newbold also added that he wished to see the numbers increase in relation to The Bahamas Press Club as there currently only 30 members.
