15 Feb 2011

Pacific Media Forum hails end to Guam gag

3:42 pm on 15 February 2011

The media monitoring group, the Pacific Freedom Forum, says the repealing of gag rules for public servants in Guam has provided a new model for public accountability.

It says Guam's transparency directive, issued by governor, Eddie Calvo, this month, provides leadership and an example to others on transparency and accountability.

The lifting of gag rules allows public employees to share their opinions about their work.

The Pacific Daily News reported earlier this month the Calvo government as saying it opposed any policy that pressured government employees into silence for fear of reprisal from the administration.

It said the Calvo government was committed to the free and responsible flow of public information and the truth.

The Pacific Freedom Forum says the freedom of expression and the sharing of opinions is the best way of keeping the people informed.