Tranquil Tobago is the location for the 53rd Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), which will take place from August 15th-17th.
The AGA is the CBU‘s premier annual event. It brings together participating member organisations to meet and discuss issues impacting the industry both regionally and internationally. This year’s theme is “Media and Information Literacy”. The Conference Day for the AGA is being held in collaboration with Public Media Alliance.
The Tobago House of Assembly and the CBU yesterday (Monday, May 16th) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex in Scarborough. The signing formalises their partnership in hosting the event.
This is the first time since 2019 that the AGA is being held in person. The past two editions were hosted virtually due to the impact of COVID-19. Tobago House of Assembly Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, Tashia Burris, says she’s pleased that Tobago is hosting this year’s event.
“Certainly, we are privileged that the CBU has chosen Tobago as the destination to have the media conference this year,” Secretary Burris said. “Because this is the first time they’re having it after the COVID, Tobago is the perfect destination. We think that we present the best option for pleasure and business and we know that the media practitioners will be very excited to come to Tobago in August.”
CBU President, Mrs. Kayleaser Deveaux-Isaacs, said she is looking forward to the opportunities offered during the discussions under this year’s theme.
“Having just launched a new UNESCO-funded project, designed to enhance the capacity of Caribbean news professionals in addressing misinformation, disinformation and fake news, the CBU is pleased to be partnering with a global media entity such as the Public Media Alliance. And, hosting the event in partnership with the Tobago House of Assembly is also an exciting development for the Union.”
One highlight of the AGA will be the Taste of Tobago that delegates will get to enjoy, coordinated by the THA. During the day on May 15, registered participants will explore the destination and be immersed in elements of Tobago’s unique culture.
The CBU will also host the gala CBU Caribbean Media Awards (CMA). The awards competition celebrates regional excellence in television, radio, digital and print media. There are also new categories this year highlighting the contributions of content creators, including videographers, sound engineers, producers, directors and social media content producers.
Category sponsors for this year’s Awards include UNICEF and Sagicor, with the UNDRR (UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) supporting the Disaster Risk Reduction category in TV radio, print and digital media.
Entries are now open to both CBU members and non-member Caribbean media houses, and will close on May 25th. To enter, visit www.caribroadcastunion.org, email info@caribroadcastunion.org or call (246) 430-1007.
The CBU website will also provide information on special discounted rates on Caribbean Airlines flights and accommodation.
