Prime Minister Andrew Holness has welcomed Jamaica’s improvement on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index ranking.

The island advanced eight places on the 2024 ranking to 24th with a global score of 77.3, compared to the 32nd spot last year.

“On this Press Freedom Day, I proudly acknowledge Jamaica’s improved press freedom rankings reported by Reporters Without Borders, moving from 32 to 24, making us the leading Caribbean nation in press freedom. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where journalists can work freely and safely,” Holness said.

Regionally, Jamaica secured the best ranking on the index followed by Trinidad and Tobago at 25th position with a score of 76.69.

“We will persist in our efforts to further improve our rankings, ensuring that journalists can continue their vital work unhindered. I encourage all journalists in Jamaica to collaborate with us as we champion press freedom, transparency, and good governance,” the prime minister added.

Dr Horace Chang, general secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), in welcoming the country’s improvement in press freedom attributed the improvement to the Andrew Holness-led administration in promoting a culture which ‘augurs’ well for press freedom.

He said freedom has been a guiding principle championed by the JLP.