The Commonwealth should consider issuing an annual ‘state of democracy and human rights’ report on its member states, Dr Michael Frendo (picture), Speaker of Malta’s House of Representatives, told journalists from the Commonwealth today. He was speaking at the 9th Commonwealth Journalists Association conference in Malta.

Dr Frendo’s statement was backed by his impressive credentials as former Foreign MInister of his country and, in that capacity, chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) popularly described as a ‘democracy watchdog.

As a former chair of the CMAG, he said, he agreed with the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group’s recommendation that a democracy and human rights commissioner be appointed to bring to CMAG’s notice errant countries. It would, he said, greatly enhance the work and reputation of the Commonwealth.

The Eminent Persons’ Group recommendation was sent by Heads of government to a committee of Foreign Ministers for further thought.

Also on Day One:

Taking up on the theme on new technologies, Dr Stephen Quinn, Digital Development dIrector of the South china morning Post, Hong Kong, described the latest innovations in broadcast or near broadcast quality programme-making from smartphones, aided with mobile editing gadgets and a small hand held-piece of equipment which could create a Wifi ‘bubble’ around a journalist. This made shooting, editing and sending news packages back to the newsroom much easier and faster.

Antony de Bono, Chairman Emeritus of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) who is also Malta’s Ambassador to Jordan, and CTO’s Geoffrey Farrugia, also introduced journalists to the Nomad borderless SIM card. This card, which is being developed by CTO for the Commonwealth will enable easier and cheaper communications between countries. CTO hopes to launch it in 2012.