Head of the RJR Communications Group, Lester Spaulding. - File

One of the tenets of a free and democratic society is the freedom of the press to report and analyse information. As such, the organisers for today's Press Freedom and Corruption Prevention seminar are promising a day which will see discussed and highlighted the link between a free press and the prevention of corruption in society.

The event, which is scheduled to be held today at the Mona Visitors' Lodge at the University of the West Indies, will feature several speakers including Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Other speakers for the event include Dame Bernice Lake, Finance Minister Audley Shaw, popular talk show host Wilmot Perkins and Mark Myers, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking to The Gleaner, yesterday, Lester Spaulding, head of the RJR Communications Group - which is a member of the Media Association of Jamaica - said today's seminar should yield ideas which will showcase the viability of a free press and a free society.

Free press necessary

He also said that, with the endemic nature of corruption in the society, the seminar - among other things - will underline how a free press can prevent such occurrences.

"I think it (seminar) is important for any society which wants to deepen democracy. In a society where corruption is prevalent, there is the need for a free press," he said.

Today's activities will include two sessions. The first session, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon, will focus on freedom of the press, while the second session, which will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., will focus on corruption prevention.