Commission for the issuance of press card designated

The designation was formed Monday by the Minister of Communication. Their first meeting takes place Tuesday in Yaounde.

Nine members in total constitute the Commission for the issuance of the press card; three representatives of public administrations, three representatives of journalists, two representatives of the media and a representative of the auxiliaries of the profession of journalism.

The order naming them was signed on 18th may by Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Minister of Communication (Mincom). It is the beginning of another era, we might say, because this commission has been in hibernation for over five years.

With an almost total renewal of members, one can talk of a resurrection of the commission. However the president of the commission and its permanent Secretary are not yet known. Order No. 107/PM of December 09, 2002, establishing the organization and functioning of this structure provides that the president of the Commission for the issuance of the press card is a personality appointed by Decree from the Prime Minister, head of Government, on a proposal from the Commission".

The permanent Secretary, is appointed by the Commission 'by a majority of 2/3 of its members.

The enthusiasm is already noticeable in some members. The first meeting is convened for next Tuesday. And people are curious to know the aims and objectives of the Commission.

"Members must know themselves first, then they will take the state of operation and consider the work to be done," noted Mabou Mabou, technical adviser to the Minister of Communication and member of the Commission.

Speaking on what could change compared to the previous Commission, Félix Zogo, technical adviser to the Mincom observes that organic texts remain the same, the main tasks of the structure being the issuance of the press card and the establishment of the letter of accreditation. The Committee also proceeded to its suspension or withdrawal.

Overall, the professional quality of the members is without doubt. But the magnitude of the work and its complexity remains a challenge. The commission finds a professional environment invaded by novices. They defy each day laws and codes of conduct.

The introduction of the press card in 2002 was for the sanitation of the environment. Unfortunately, the first test shot had not been a master stroke! However, the members then were also respected professionals.

Several miscreants had been able to obtain the press card and destroying the fabric of the press in Cameroon. Members can uphold more than the professional reputation and they will have the grip to make things happen.