«It is a prize to foster the pursuit of efforts to improve the daily life of Cameroonians. And also, to boost the economy to ensure the emergence of Cameroon» said Sylvain TAH, Chairman of the Consortium of Investigative Journalists (CJI) as he explained  the 2019 Managerial Leadership awarded to Patrice Melom, General Manager of the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK). This distinction was presented to him last Friday 26th June in the Head Office of the PAK in Kribi. Given the current pandemic environment, the event was sober but enlivened with some titbits from the two CJI representatives: Chairman Sylvain TAH (Le soir) and Secretary General Ignace YOMBI (L’Epervier).

The two investigative journalists explain that their group of about fifty members, works for the dissemination of information without any manipulation, through a network that is increasingly solicited by professionals working for various media. Also, the CJI regulations stipulate that, whenever possible, a Diploma of Excellence be awarded to any stakeholder who stands out in public governance. In this regard, Sylvain TAH stated that it was «without any sycophancy, but after several field visits to certify the capabilities and contributions of the PAK General Manager in the economy of Cameroon, that our investigators decided to grant  the 2019 Managerial Leadership Award to Patrice MELOM».

The CJI Chairman further explained that the management style of the General Manager of the PAK can be summed up «through the following triptych: promptness in the service; consultation when making decisions and substantial improvement in the working conditions of the personnel». For the CJI, these considerations alone comfort them in their choice of a major stakeholder, an outstanding manager. Taking the floor, Patrice Melom said he was highly surprised and honoured. «I am quite low-key in my job and I know that journalists grudge me a little for not always reacting positively to their many requests for interviews. I am humbled that a group of professionals was able to probe me to the extent of awarding me a Diploma of Excellence». For the PAK General Manager, the high confidence of the Head of State is tantamount to obligation of results, which are often brought to light thanks to investigative journalists he humbly thanked.