Evaluation of Participation of Louis Alfaisie in FY09 MRP

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000002 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC KPAO SCUL NS SUBJECT: Evaluation of Participation of Louis Alfaisie in FY09 MRP "Investigative Journalism II" ¶1. (SBU) Overview and positives: Mr. Louis Alfaisie, reporter for De West, a national daily newspaper, participated in the FY09 Multi-Regional Program (MRP) "INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM II" August 10 - 28, 2009. During his November 2009 return brief with the DCM, PolEconPDoff, and PD Assistant, Alfaisie said the trip was "far beyond [his] expectations." He said that there were excellent group dynamics, relevant sessions, and many enjoyable experiences. Alfaisie concluded from his experience that investigative journalism "can only blossom in a democratic environment." ¶2. (SBU) Alfaise reported positively on all aspects of the MRP. In Washington, visits to the Pentagon and White House "swept [his] feet off the ground" and he learned about the story of federalism, which helped him understand why "the system works the way it does." He explained that these visits provided a better understanding of checks and balances in the U.S. governmental system, which "set the [program's] tone" and provided important context. In Jacksonville, Alfaisie's home hospitality experience with a local Imam gave him the opportunity to learn more about the lives of U.S. Muslims post-9/11. In San Francisco, Alfaisie met with a journalist, who was covering a shooting, and saw first-hand how the journalist requested information from the police. Alfaisie concluded that the "government there was transparent" and "you don't have to fight for information like [in Suriname]." Alfaisie reported excellent group dynamics, and indicated that he has continued to stay in touch with his MRP participant colleagues. ¶3. (SBU) Suggestion. Alfaise indicated that two appointments in San Francisco were not confirmed, and recommended that the San Francisco coordinators ensure that all appointments are pre-arranged in the future. Despite this drawback, Alfaisie quickly added that the program was able to backstop these missed appointments with other interactions, such as the meeting with the local journalist. ¶4. (SBU) Impact. Alfaise secured a copy of the San Francisco Police Department's policy regarding the use and dissemination of police-related information. He has shared this document with others in Suriname as an example of how the police here might consider sharing information with journalists and/or the public. In Jacksonville, Alfaisie visited City Hall to inquire about his hotel taxes and the Mayor's biographical information; he was pleased to report that "within 10 minutes [he] had [the requested information]." He said these first-hand experiences reinforced his belief that "government information is the people's information," and that investigative journalism is an integral part of any democratic society. ¶5. (U) Post thanks ECA/PE/V/M for facilitating this wonderful program. NAY