Nassau, The Bahamas - The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in cooperation with the Bahamas Information Services, hosted a one-day training program for Bahamian journalists in The Bahamas. Eight people attended from the University of The Bahamas, Bahamas Information Services, and the Tribune Newspaper. The program, held on 31 May 2024, aimed to promote dialogue, share knowledge about migration issues, and hone the reporting skills of journalists covering migration issues in the region. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees also provided critical training on aspects of international protection and refugees.

Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public understanding of human mobility, and given the complex migration issues in the Caribbean, including xenophobic attitudes towards migrants, it is crucial to ensure accurate and effective communication on these matters. The training program provided journalists with the opportunity to learn from global and regional experts and to apply new knowledge in practical sessions.

The training program was well-received by the participants, who expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn and share their experiences. Lynaire Munnings, a news reporter expressed: “The experience was immensely beneficial and has broadened my perspective on migration in the field. The expertise shared by the speakers was exceptional and leaves me thankful for the investment in my professional growth. I would encourage my colleagues to take advantage of all future opportunities held by IOM.”

As migration is a salient issue in the region, IOM seeks to ensure that journalists and other media professionals are well-informed about the complexities of the subject and the necessary human rights-based approach while reporting. The training program was key for implementing future actions focused on connecting journalists from The Bahamas with their peers around the region and the world, creating a community of practice and facilitating the exchange of ideas and solutions. “It was a pleasure to be a part of this exercise focusing on one of the burning issues of the day, not only for The Bahamas, but for the wider Caribbean and, indeed, the world,” said Wesley Gibbings, one of the trainers and Vice President of the Media Institute of the Caribbean.

This training is part of a broader, long-term communication strategy by IOM to address migration issues in The Bahamas and the wider Latin America and Caribbean region.  Moving forward, IOM plans to continue these media workshops, engaging more journalists, and collaborate with the University of The Bahamas to develop a course on media and migration. These initiatives aim to build a strong community of practice, facilitate the exchange of ideas and solutions, and ensure ongoing engagement on migration issues.

The activity was implemented though the IOM-managed Western Hemisphere Program, generously financed by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.  It contributes to Goal 10 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on reducing inequality, and responds to Objective 17 in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration.

For more information, please contact: Zahrah Jibrilu at zjibrilu@iom.int.