2 newsrooms in SVG receive emergency media kits

Two media entities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) are among eight independent newsrooms across the Caribbean that are now better equipped to keep their communities informed in times of crisis.

This follows the successful deployment of emergency media kits by the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) with support from the British Resident Commissioner to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This rollout marks a pivotal milestone in regional media resilience during the Atlantic hurricane season, the British High Commission in Kingstown said in a press statement.

Following a rigorous, needs-based application process, the media kit was handed over to iWitness News and SVG Broadcasting Corporation in SVG.

“iWitness News demonstrated editorial independence, a powerful public-interest mandate, broad audience reach, financial need, and a clear commitment to disaster preparedness and community engagement,” the British High Commission said.

“This met the criteria, signalling a contribution and commitment to building resilient journalism through outstanding collaboration.

The deployment of these state-of-the-art emergency media kits, comprising cameras, microphones, lights, laptops, hard drives, memory cards, and tripods, reflects the outstanding partnership between MIC and the British Resident Commissioner in Kingstown, the release said.

This collaboration is a testament to the shared vision of safeguarding press freedom and strengthening democratic discourse, particularly within small island developing states (SIDS), highly vulnerable to natural disasters.

“Our collaboration with the British Resident Commissioner in Kingstown truly elevates disaster readiness and reinforces the indispensable role of independent journalism in protecting lives and livelihoods across the Caribbean,” Kiran Maharaj, president of MIC, said

Geoffrey Patton, resident British commissioner, commented:

“Upholding a free, resilient press remains central to our mission. Through this partnership, we are reinforcing the ability of newsrooms to serve their audiences at the most critical moments.”

Meanwhile, Kenton Chance, founder and executive editor of iWitness News, welcomed the grant, saying that it will bolster the media outlet’s ability to report on the impact of natural hazards on SVG.

“iWitness News has proven itself to be a reliable source of vital information in the lead-up to and aftermath of natural hazards in our country,” he said.

Chance said that, unfortunately, iWitness News has had too many opportunities to demonstrate its reliability during crisis, including reporting on the  2013 Christmas Flood, the April 2021 explosive eruption of La Soufriere volcano, and Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

“Many people have expressed their appreciation — in words or awards — for our work in this regard. However, very few have demonstrated that appreciation in ways that bolster our resources and expand our ability to continue our service to the community,” Chance said.

“We are, therefore, especially appreciative of the British High Commission in Kingstown and MIC for this grant and hope that it will inspire other entities to support the work of small but impactful media outlets such as iWitness News.”

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance media sustainability, integrity, and public trust, ensuring information flows reliably during emergencies when citizens need it most.

“The British High Commission and MIC extend their gratitude for the commitment of all participating newsrooms in championing resilient, transparent, and accountable coverage throughout the region,” the British High Commission said in a press statement.