Vincentians Journalists develop reporting skills on Youth Involvement in Crime

Four Vincentian journalists and 11 from the region met in Grenada last weekend for a workshop aimed at developing their skills in reporting responsibly on Youth involvement in crime.

This three-day workshop was held through a collaboration between the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), and CariSECURE 2.0 – a regional project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The first session was held virtually on June 5, 2024, while the remaining sessions were held in person on June 22 and 23 in Grenada. It was conducted under the leadership of regional and international journalists and researchers, including president of the Media Institute of the Caribbean, Kiran Maharaj, and Veteran Journalist, Wesley Gibbings.

The workshop saw 15 journalists from Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada in attendance, engaged in extensive discussions on human interest reporting and investigative reporting.

It covered such critical topics as ‘understanding the scope and ethical considerations in reporting on youth in crime; the causes, effects and current trend of youth involvement in crime; understanding the impact of crime and violence on communities; exploring root causes and underlying issues; interviewing survivors and affected families; utilising reporting techniques and interviewing skills for youth and their families; and building rapport and trust’.

Participants also learned that the way in which one reports crime can add value to a society or instil fear.

Prior to the workshop journalists from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago received specialized training on trafficking in persons virtually on June 5, and in-person in Trinidad and Tobago, on June 10 and 11.

Searchlight’s Court Reporter, Jada Chambers; as well as WEFM talk show host, Ari Shaw; freelancer Gloridene Hoyte; and IWitness News’ Kenton Chance were the participants from SVG who attended the workshop.