Theme for this year: Rebuilding trust in Caribbean Media

This annual event, organized by Red Arubiano di Prensa Profesional (RAPP), brought together journalists, media professionals, and guests to reflect on one of the most urgent challenges facing the region: how to strengthen public trust in a rapidly shifting information landscape.

The seminar featured an inspiring lineup of international and local speakers who offered concrete strategies for combating disinformation, innovating newsroom practices, and addressing digital threats that undermine trust:

Vincent Smit (1Almere, The Netherlands) demonstrated how editorial innovation and active community engagement can help newsrooms rebuild connections with their audiences. By showing practical examples of participatory journalism, he highlighted how meaningful interaction contributes directly to restoring trust.

Paul Eelens (Cybersecurity Center of Excellence , Aruba) explained the growing link between cybersecurity threats and the erosion of trust in information flows. His presentation underscored the importance of digital safety not only for institutions, but also for journalists navigating increasingly complex online environments.

Rosario Marina (Chequeado, Argentina) provided key insights into identifying and addressing disinformation, showing how fact-checking practices can become an essential tool for journalists in small island states. With no dedicated fact-checking units in Aruba or the wider Dutch Caribbean, her contribution offered a valuable framework for future development in the region.

Throughout the seminar, journalists participated actively with questions, reflections, and shared experiences — reinforcing the importance of dialogue in rebuilding credibility and strengthening professional standards.

This second edition not only deepened the conversation on trust and transparency but also reaffirmed RAPP’s commitment to fostering collaboration, ethical reporting, and media innovation across the Caribbean.