CIJN Augments Prestige with 2025 Journalism Excellence Awards

Celebrating CIJN's Achievements in Journalism

A remarkable feat was accomplished by the Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (CIJN) team, earning the 2025 Inter American Press Association (IAPA) Excellence in Journalism Award in the Migration Journalism "Claudio Paolillo" category. Their investigative report titled "Tricked into Sex Slavery: Global Crackdown hasn't Stopped Caribbean Traffickers" highlights critical issues surrounding human trafficking in the region.

A Powerful Investigation

The IAPA Awards Committee hailed this report as a "powerful and well-documented investigative report" that shines a light on the tragic reality of human trafficking, particularly focusing on a young Cuban migrant in Suriname. This recognition amplifies the importance of investigative journalism in addressing severe social issues and elevating the voices of the marginalized.

Exceptional Award-Winning Team

Leading the CIJN team was Editor/Mentor Freeman Rogers, alongside talented journalists like Valerie Fris from Suriname, Natanga Smith from Barbados, and Roseann Pile, who divided her time between Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda. Soyini Grey hails from Trinidad and Tobago, while Marion Ali contributes from Belize, showcasing a diverse and collaborative effort from multiple Caribbean nations.

Additional Honors at CBU Awards

The success of this CIJN report did not stop with the IAPA. It also claimed top honors at the 36th Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) Awards Ceremony for Excellence in Responsible Reporting on Trafficking in Persons. This exceptional recognition underscores CIJN's commitment to responsible journalism and their ongoing efforts to advocate for those affected by trafficking.

More Award-Winning Reports

In a continuing celebration of achievements, another CIJN report titled "Seniors: Climate Change Forgotten Ones" won the CBU Production Awards (Radio) Category for Best Investigative Report. Under the mentorship of Wesley Gibbings, the team worked diligently to raise awareness on the critical and often overlooked impact of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Building on Past Success

CIJN's recent awards highlight a history of strong performances, following their successes at previous CBU Awards. In 2022, CIJN's David Papannah was recognized for his outstanding report "The Climate Test of Guyana's Mangroves," which highlighted pressing environmental issues in the Caribbean. Additionally, Esther Jones received Special Mention for her work on "The Cost of Being a Climate Change Champion," illustrating the impactful narratives fostered by CIJN.

Recognition in 2024

Jones, under Gibbings' mentorship again, received top honors for her piece, "The Tropical Journey of a Firearm," in the CariSECURE 2.0 Award, recognizing excellence in responsible reporting on youth crime. Her dedication to storytelling continues to earn her accolades, including a longlisting for the One World Media Awards for Freelance Journalist of the Year.

Commitment to Quality Journalism

CIJN operates as the foremost investigative journalism organization in the Caribbean, delivering engaging stories across multiple platforms. Established in December 2019 by the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), CIJN has made significant inroads into the regional journalism landscape, reaching 22 Pan-Caribbean states.

Vision for the Future

Ms. Kiran Maharaj, the MIC President and CIJN instructor, emphasized the importance of recognizing CIJN's efforts in fostering regional journalism. She stated, "This recognition reinforces the value of our commitment to harnessing journalism resources through high-quality training and collaborative efforts among leading editors and mentors." Kiran further elaborated on the organization’s methodology, focusing on compelling storytelling, thorough research, and verification to ensure journalistic integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CIJN?

The Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (CIJN) is a premier organization dedicated to impactful and quality investigative journalism across the Caribbean region.

What recent award did CIJN win?

CIJN recently won the 2025 IAPA Excellence in Journalism Award for their report on human trafficking, showcasing their commitment to responsible and impactful journalism.

Who led the CIJN team for the award-winning report?

Freeman Rogers served as the Editor/Mentor for the CIJN team that produced the award-winning report on human trafficking in the Caribbean.

What are some other awards CIJN members have won?

CIJN members have received various awards, including recognition at the CBU Awards for their reporting on climate change and youth involvement in crime.

When was CIJN established?

CIJN was launched in December 2019 by the Media Institute of the Caribbean, aiming to enhance investigative journalism across the Caribbean region.

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