The Center for Media Integrity of the Americas and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union are pleased to announce the nominees for the CMIA-CBU Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award.
This regional honour recognizes outstanding journalism, courageous reporting, and meaningful contributions to the protection and advancement of media freedom across the Dutch, English, French & Spanish Caribbean.
The Award reflects the shared vision of the CBU and the CMIA to strengthen journalism, uphold democratic values, and support a resilient and independent media landscape across the region. Both organizations are deeply committed to fostering environments where journalists can work freely and safely, and where accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting can thrive. By spotlighting individuals and institutions that exemplify these principles, the Award directly supports the mission of both partners to champion media freedom as an essential pillar of open and accountable societies.
This year’s nominees are:
- Mr. Jules Vasquez
- Mr. Wesley Gibbings and
- the Media Institute of the Caribbean
The Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award will be presented on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 during the Opening Ceremony of the 57th CBU Annual General Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown, Guyana.
For more information on the 57th CBU Annual General Assembly contact info@caribroadcastunion.org
Jules Vasquez: Fearlessly Holding Power To Account
For more than three decades, Jules Vasquez has embodied the highest ideals of investigative journalism in the Caribbean. As News Director of 7News Belize, he has built a reputation for uncompromising reporting, relentless questioning of those in authority, and an unwavering commitment to the public’s right to know. His work has
made him one of the region’s most recognizable and courageous defenders of media freedom.
In a media landscape where political and commercial pressures often discourage aggressive investigative reporting, Vasquez consistently demonstrates that journalism’s first duty is to the public interest. Successive governments, regardless of political affiliation, have faced his rigorous scrutiny. This rare independence has earned him widespread respect as an equal-opportunity investigative journalist whose loyalty is neither to political parties nor powerful interests, but to truth and accountability.
His career has been marked by extraordinary courage. Whether being forcibly removed from Parliament while defending journalists’ right to report legislative proceedings, enduring tear gas while covering anti-government demonstrations, confronting political leaders with difficult questions, or facing repeated personal attacks from public officials, Vasquez has never retreated from his responsibility to hold power accountable. Rather than being intimidated by pressure, he repeatedly turns attempts to silence him into powerful affirmations of the importance of a free press.
His investigative reporting has delivered tangible results for Belizean society. Exposés by 7News have contributed to the dismissal of Cabinet ministers, prompted significant changes in public policy, and forced governments to reverse controversial decisions.
Most recently, his extensive investigations into multimillion-dollar airport security contracts raised serious questions about transparency, procurement practices, and conflicts of interest, compelling public responses from senior government officials.
Over the past year his relentless reporting brought to light the state-sponsored abduction and illegal rendition of citizen Joseph Budna, exposing a massive police cover-up that reached the upper echelons of the political directorate. Using Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, he unmasked multi-million-dollar fraudulent airport security contracts and uncovered cartel-linked corruption within the Corozal Free Zone.
He thus demonstrates journalism’s essential role in exposing abuse of authority and demanding institutional accountability.
Despite becoming the target of multiple Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), withdrawal of government advertising, and efforts to disrupt his newsroom’s operations, Vasquez has remained steadfast. Rather than allowing legal or economic pressure to silence independent journalism, he has consistently defended the principle that a free press must never be intimidated into submission.
The impact of his work has been recognised through repeated honours, including consecutive University of Belize Prizes for Investigative Journalism awarded to 7News. His reporting has strengthened public accountability and reinforced confidence in independent journalism as an essential pillar of democracy.
For his exceptional courage, unwavering independence, and lifelong commitment to defending the public’s right to know, Jules Vasquez is a most deserving nominee for the CMIA-CBU Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award.
Wesley Gibbings: A Lifetime Champion Of Press Freedom In The Caribbean
For more than four decades, Wesley Gibbings has stood among the Caribbean’s foremost defenders of press freedom. A journalist, broadcaster, columnist, media trainer, author, and advocate, he has dedicated his career to protecting the independence of the media, advancing freedom of expression, and ensuring that journalism continues to serve democracy throughout the region.
A Trinidad and Tobago national, Gibbings has built an exceptional career that extends far beyond the newsroom. Equally respected as a freelance journalist, television presenter, newspaper columnist, published poet, and media development practitioner, his work has ranged from investigative reporting on climate change and fisheries to incisive commentary on governance, culture, and democratic accountability. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated that defending media freedom requires not only courageous reporting, but also building institutions, mentoring journalists, shaping policy, and strengthening professional standards.
As Founding President of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), Gibbings established the region’s foremost organisation representing journalists and media workers, creating an enduring framework for defending press freedom at community, national, and regional levels. Today, as Vice President of the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), he continues to lead initiatives that strengthen independent journalism, media sustainability, and policy development. He is also the Caribbean’s sole elected representative on the Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) and has served on the Steering Committee of the Global Forum for Media Development, ensuring that Caribbean press freedom concerns are represented on the global stage.
Over the past year alone, Gibbings has championed five critical areas affecting media freedom: journalist safety, particularly in response to the crisis in Haiti; opposition to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs); media viability and financial sustainability; the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence; and legislative advocacy to safeguard journalists’ ability to protect confidential sources while conducting investigations. As an Acting Independent Senator in Trinidad and Tobago, he has uniquely translated decades of advocacy into legislative action by highlighting the implications of proposed financial legislation for investigative journalism.
His influence extends through journalism education and mentorship. As Editor and Mentor with the Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (CIJN), lecturer at CARIMAC, and author or editor of landmark publications including A Climate Change Handbook for Caribbean Journalists, Reporting the Climate Crisis, An Election Handbook for Caribbean Journalists, and the State of the Caribbean Media Report, Gibbings has equipped generations of journalists with the knowledge and ethical foundation to uphold media freedom.
A recipient of the prestigious Percy Qoboza International Journalist Award from the US National Association of Black Journalists as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s Excellence in Journalism Award, Wesley Gibbings continues to be an unwavering advocate for truth, accountability, and democratic values. His sustained leadership, regional influence, and lifelong commitment to defending independent journalism make him an exemplary nominee for the CMIA-CBU Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award.
Media Institute Of The Caribbean: A Champion Of Press Freedom Across The Region
In an era when independent journalism faces growing challenges from political pressure, economic uncertainty, disinformation, and technological disruption, the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) has emerged as one of the region’s most steadfast defenders of media freedom. Through advocacy, training, research, and direct support for journalists, MIC has become a leading force in protecting the public’s right to know and strengthening independent media throughout the Caribbean.
Since its establishment in 2012, MIC has worked tirelessly to build a stronger, more resilient media sector. Its impact spans more than 25 countries, with over 800 journalists trained through more than 525 workshops and capacity-building programmes. By equipping journalists with investigative reporting skills, digital safety tools, and specialized knowledge in areas such as financial crime reporting, MIC has strengthened the ability of Caribbean media to hold power accountable and serve the public interest.
One of MIC’s most significant contributions to media freedom has been its advocacy for Freedom of Information and Access to Information legislation. Through a landmark regional initiative launched in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, MIC reviewed legislation across the Caribbean, developed recommendations aligned with international best practices, established a regional FOI/ATI Help Desk, and created practical advocacy tools for journalists and civil society. By challenging efforts that restrict access to public information, MIC stood firmly in defence of transparency, accountability, and democratic participation.
MIC has also consistently spoken out on issues affecting press freedom. Its annual World Press Freedom Day statements have highlighted threats ranging from barriers to information access and environmental reporting to the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence, media concentration, and economic pressures that threaten editorial independence. These interventions have helped shape regional conversations on media freedom and democratic governance.
Beyond advocacy, MIC has demonstrated that defending media freedom also means protecting journalists themselves. Through digital safety initiatives, mental health support, disaster-resilient communication projects, emergency media resources, and the Caribbean Media Summit, it has created practical mechanisms to ensure journalists can work safely, independently, and effectively.
For its unwavering commitment to independent journalism, access to information, professional excellence, and democratic accountability, the Media Institute of the Caribbean stands as a worthy nominee for the CMIA-CBU Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award. Its work continues to empower journalists, strengthen institutions, and safeguard the essential freedoms upon which Caribbean democracy depends.
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