25 May 2016

United States Ambassador Earl Miller says his country values freedom of the press as an essential component of democratic governance.

Mr Miller said this at the government spokespersons training in which the government through the communications department at the Office of the President collaborated with the US embassy to hold the workshop.

The team has organised a four day workshop themed Communications 101 for government officials. US embassy has invited media professional, Mr Eduardo Cue, to share his expertise and experiences with the attendees.

Officially opening the workshop, Mr Miller said a free public and private press drove active debate, investigative reporting and the expression of different point of view, especially on behalf of those marginalised and under-represented in society.

He further advised that government spokespersons must also advise government officials on potential media reactions to proposed policies and work to mitigate reactions when necessary.

“It is a tough and heavy responsibility and I commend you for the important work you all play supporting Botswana’s democracy,” he said.

Ambassador Miller said the ongoing engagement and direct partnership between the two countries reflected their shared values and commitment to democracy’s fundamental principles including, a robust andndependent civil society and free press. “The US embassy’s support for the media in Botswana includes professional development training and journalist exchanges,” he stated. 

In his welcome remarks, deputy permanent secretary, government information and communications services, Dr Jeff Ramsay said the training would strengthen the communications capabilities of spokespersons to equip them to deal with the media so that the organisation was able to provide appropriate information.

He advised ministries to adopt aggressive approach in their own media management. ENDS