Aurora Herrera
Supervisors: Zahera Harb and Claire De Than
PhD Title: An analysis of defamation law in Caribbean and how it affects the practice of journalism.
Brief description of research topic
In 2016, all 16 independent Caribbean states maintain some form of punishment for defamation. All of these states carry the possibility of at least one year of jail time. In some, journalists can be put in prison for five to seven years.
Many civil and intergovernmental organisations see these laws as a way to stamp out government criticism by intimidating journalists. How can journalists do serious investigative reporting when there is an opposition to FOI and potential threat to their lives? These laws are seen by many as an insult to democracy and incompatible with the notion of free speech.
Simultaneously a pattern has emerged as part of the media rhetoric from government bodies; journalists need more training as well as regulation.
This research seeks to outline a balanced case for the repeal of defamation laws in the Caribbean.
Research Interests
- Journalism
- Media Ethics
- Media Law.
Education
- University of Toronto Journalism Specialist
Publications
Features
- Trinidad Guardian – Daughter of the Motherland
- Trinidad Guardian – Caribbean Tales Incubator
- Caribbean Tales – The Weekend
Published work
Caribbean Beat
Trinidad Carnival: back to the future
ARC Magazine
Angelika Wallace-Whitfield Interview
ttff shares: Film in Focus: Pan! Our Music Odysey
ttff shares: Film in Focus: Dreams in Transit and Trafficked
ttff shares: Film in Focus: Interview with Pras Michel and Ben Patterson
ttff shares: Filmmaker in Focus: Thomas Weston
Pulitzer Centre
The Trinidad Guardian
A Voice for Female Empowerment
Rum Talk: A Diary of the Trauma of Caroni
Natalia to Enchant Poland, London with Opera
Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival
Blogger 2013-2016 - Over 50 pieces
University of Toronto at Scarborough – Office of the Principal
Writer - 19 pieces
Broadcast Media
XVI international AIDS conference – writer, interviewer
Pan Am games –producer, scriptwriter, host
Toronto FC – host, scriptwriter
Why here?–voiceover, scriptwriter
Student life – director, scriptwriter, host
Showcase enviroment – host
Public Presentations and Conference Papers Given
- Leadership Development Programme - October 21st 2008
University of Toronto at Scarborough
Media Relations - Indo-Caribbean Feminist Thought: Beyond Gender Negotiations - November 6th 2015
Indo-Caribbean Feminisms: A Literary Evening
