Decisions to regulate media sector stressed

Manama, Feb 8 (BNA): Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi has emphasized the important role of the media sector and institutions in conveying the civilized image of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The minister said, at the weekly press conference following the Cabinet meeting, that all decisions issued to regulate the media sector work stem from the 2002 media law currently in force until the issuance of the new law soon, stressing that the minister is empowered to issue decisions in coordination with the competent authorities. He stressed that the new media law will address many points that are not covered by the current law, especially in light of the technological developments in the media sector. It will also meet developments and support media institutions to take on their roles to the fullest extent under the provisions of the law and constitution which guarantee the freedom of expression. In response to a question on the memorandum discussed by the Cabinet today on imposing a ban on fishing, the minister said that the decision aims to preserve the available fish stocks by following the best practices. He noted that fishing bans are imposed by countries in the region and during specific periods of the year. He said that the decision bans the fishing of few species, such as kingfish, shrimps, and crabs, adding that the ban will be imposed on catching kingfish by nets for two months from August 15 until October 15, the shrimps from March 15 to July 15, and crabs from March until May. He explained that the purpose of the decision is to preserve the stocks, and warned that violators will be subject to measures taken by the concerned ministry. With regard to another memorandum discussed in today's cabinet session on the associate medical professions list, the minister clarified that in accordance with Decree 21/ 2005 which stipulates that the competent minister will issue a decision, after obtaining the cabinet approval, to determine the professions. He said the professions included on the list comprise nursing, midwifery,; laboratories, medical imaging, radiology, cardiovascular technicians, speech and audiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, optics; nutrition, psychotherapy, health Inspection, alternative medicine, medical physics and radiotherapy.