allAfrica.com: Cameroon: Camasej General At the Brink of Renewal (Page 1 of 1)

Members of the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ that gathered in Buea from July 18-19 for the General Assembly meeting, took far reaching decisions to rebuild and reassert Anglophone journalism.

But for the lack of elections to pick a new executive bureau, participants agreed that CAMASEJ has come of age by the quality of the participants, guests, resource people, lectures and resolutions taken at the two-day event.

After facing frontally the numerous challenges that impede journalists from playing their role as watchers of society, the press corps also made bold proposals on how the profession could step forward and regain its rightful place. However, the implementation of the resolutions, many participants observed, would be a huge challenge to the Association.

The special guest of honour at the General Assembly, the US Ambassador to Cameroon, Janet Garvey, in her opening remarks, emphasised on the need to professionalise in the media, build the capability of investigative journalism, and improve on reporting in a balanced and fair manner. Another challenge she raised was the need to build credibility which she described as the journalist's most valuable asset.

However, she said; "despite the challenges, I believe there are good reasons to be optimistic about the media's future in Cameroon." In this light, she said the US Embassy is working with individuals to establish a centre for investigative journalism; looking forward to help create a news agency and working with government to help create official press spokesperson offices that will empower them to speak publicly on behalf of their ministers.

Two resource people at the Assembly, legal mind HRM Nfor Tabetando and ace journalist Victor Epie Ngome x-rayed the Cameroon media in their presentations. While Tabetando talked on the role of the media in an emerging democracy, Epie Ngome lectured on the Anglophone press; strength and weaknesses.

For two days, CAMASEJ members brainstormed on and identified vices that drag the journalism profession into disrepute. These among others include lack of access to information, absence of working facilities, poor pay for journalists, disregard for journalism ethics, bias reporting and lack of partnership between media houses and corporate bodies.

As a sequel, journalists proposed that an information act be enacted to give journalists access to information, that government should increase subvention to private media institutions, that proprietors of media institutions should treat their workers with esteem, that a certain level (at least Advanced Level) be considered as entry point into the profession, that CAMASEJ be empowered to issue press cards for its members and that a code of ethics be drawn up for members.

At the end of the Assembly, the Chairperson, Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle, who is also one of CAMASEJ patrons, said the event was a resounding success. "We must congratulate CAMASEJ members for their maturity and sense of focus during this Assembly. The resolutions arrived at today are a milestone in the history of Anglophone Journalism."

On his part, CAMASEJ National President, Francis Wache, enthused that the General Assembly was a great success in many regards. According to him, the resolutions were far reaching and open rooms for greater prospects for the Association. He did not, however, rule out the fact that CAMASEJ would continue to face enormous challenges especially in making the resolutions a reality.

He, however, regretted that the failure to elect a new bureau due to certain constraints poses a burden on the Executive.Meanwhile, at the end of the Assembly, journalists walked out of the hall with mixed feelings after the current executive failed to provide a financial account during their tenure. This played a sour note on the general success of the Assembly.

After a prolonged debate, CAMASEJ members failed to elect a new bureau because members had not met up with their financial obligations. CAMASEJ members reluctantly agreed that a six-month period be given to the current executive to prepare the financial report and for members to meet up with their financial obligations for the elections to take place.

Some journalists told The Post that CAMASEJ should rise to the level of financial independence and not always depend on some benevolent people. They regretted the heavy role patrons play in most activities of the Association which leaves journalists with a weak voice in their own affairs.

Awards

One of the highlights that marked the General Assembly was the recognition of people, especially in the media, for their various contributions to the development of journalism in Anglophone Cameroon.

Some of those who were recognised include: Beatrice Annembom Monju, ace journalist and SDF Communication Officer, Charly Ndi Chia, Editor-in-Chief of The Post, Zachary Nkwo, famous CRTV Sports reporter, Sam Nuvala Fonkem, Victor Epie Ngome, Martin Che, Gideon Taka, Manager of Radio Hot Cocoa, Bamenda and Paul Nkemanyang of The Star.

Also, Professor Enoh Tanjong, former Head of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in the University of Buea, and Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle, CAMASEJ patron were also recognised.

CAMASEJ recognised the US Embassy for its contributions to the development of journalism in the country.

Resource, Partners, Support

The Buea meeting gained fame due to the numerous partners, patrons, resources people and support it got from different quarters. The US Embassy in Yaounde, in its unrelenting support for a freer and empowered press in Cameroon, largely sponsored the event alongside Orange Cameroun.

Also newly introduced mobile network company, Yemba, played a vital role.CAMASEJ Patrons, Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle and HRM Nfor Tabetando, made contributions. Support also came from the United Nations Centre in Yaounde, MAKUNA International and the newly elected President of the Cameroon Union of Journalists, CUJ, Charly Ndi Chia amongst others.

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