October 28, 2009 - The Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers (ACM) is concerned that the result of a 2001 libel suit brought against the Grenada Today newspaper by former Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, and subsequent appeal have led to the effective closure of the publication. While we believe citizens should retain the right to seek civil redress on matters of defamation, we are of the opinion that penalties should neither be disproportionate nor excessive. We are aware in several international jurisdictions this principle is being seriously contemplated. Against this backdrop, we join with regional media enterprises that have consistently called for reform on the issue of liabilities arising out of defamation suits. We agree it has the potential to infringe freedom of the press. Our thoughts are with George Worme and his team of media workers who now face an uncertain future. We are also concerned the judgment can produce a “chilling effect” on free expression not only in Grenada but elsewhere in the Caribbean region.