Aruba’s professional journalists’ association has asked the Eman cabinet to establish a regular, structured question-and-answer session where reporters can directly question the government.
Red Arubiano di Prensa Profesional, known as RAPP, submitted its formal request to Prime Minister Mike Eman on September 1, the Day of the Press in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
Association seeks predictable access
RAPP said journalists have had too few opportunities to critically question the AVP-Futuro government through full press conferences since the cabinet took office.
The association is proposing fixed, pre-announced sessions at which reporters can ask questions, including questions beyond the main topic selected by the government for a particular appearance.
According to the report, the letter was also directed to Infrastructure Minister René Herde, the Governor’s Cabinet and the Representation of the Netherlands in Oranjestad.
The request does not prescribe a final schedule. RAPP wants to discuss the frequency and practical organization of the proposed sessions with the cabinet.
Press access and public accountability
Regular press availability can give the public clearer information about government decisions and allow reporters to seek clarification when announcements leave questions unanswered. A predictable format can also help ministries prepare factual responses while preserving journalists’ ability to raise current issues.
RAPP’s proposal is specifically about access for questions, rather than simply receiving written statements or attending events where questioning is limited to a prepared subject.
No cabinet response to the request was included in the source report. It therefore remains unclear whether the government will accept the proposal, suggest a different format or schedule talks with the association.
Source: Information based on reporting from Amigoe Aruba.
