SVG’s Media Landscape ‘In a Bad Way,’ says Ambassador-Designate 

By Admin and Val Matthias. Updated 1:47 p.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Ambassador-designate to Taiwan, Kenton Chance, has expressed deep concern about the current state of journalism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, describing the media landscape as “in a really, really bad way.” Speaking during a recent interview on the WEFM morning show, Chance said that while he has dedicated over two decades to holding power to account and keeping citizens informed, he fears that the profession is struggling to maintain its standards.

Chance noted that the departure of experienced journalists and the passing of respected figures have left gaps in the industry, while some newer media operators lack formal training. He emphasized that journalism is critical to democracy, as citizens rely on accurate reporting to make informed decisions.

“My responsibility is to keep people informed. This is a democracy. People must make informed decisions. And my work is critical to that. But I’m not happy with what I see,” he said.

He also acknowledged the rise of social media as a space where anyone can publish stories instantly but cautioned that professional standards must not be abandoned. Chance urged that trained journalists and mentors continue to guide younger practitioners, stressing that journalism is not about partisanship but about accountability and service to the public.

Chance’s comments come after he was widely criticized by many for accepting a diplomatic position from the newly sworn-in New Democratic Party (NDP) government. Some critics of the move have asked whether Mr. Chance will be able to hold the new government accountable in the same way he was perceived to hold the previous government to account.

During the programme, a caller asked whether he would seek opportunities to help improve the situation without give a definitive answer, Chance pledged to contribute through training and mentorship, noting that he intends to share his experience with younger journalists and support initiatives that strengthen professional standards. “I know I can’t do this forever, but I am committed to helping train and guide the next generation. Journalism must be about accountability and service to the public, and I will continue to play my part,” he affirmed.

As he prepares to transition from journalism to diplomacy, Chance’s reflections highlight the challenges facing the Vincentian media and the importance of safeguarding press freedom and professional integrity in the years ahead.

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