Jamaica's Government Condemns Threats Made Against Television Reporter
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican government has joined media organizations here in condemning the threats made against Television Jamaica (TVJ) journalist, Giovanni Dennis, following his special report highlighting illegal drag racing in Jamaica.
The report, which was aired on Sunday night has drawn criticism from the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Media Association of Jamaica Limited.
A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stated that the Andrew Holness government “strongly condemns” the threats made against Dennis, warning that acts of intimidation and threats to use violence “are reprehensible and are in fact an attack on press freedom and Jamaica’s democracy at large.
“Journalists play a crucial role in our society by informing the public, holding officials to account, and contributing to the transparent functioning of our institutions. Any attempt to intimidate or threaten journalists is an affront to these values and must not be tolerated,” the statement added.
The statement said that the government is committed to ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of harassment, threats, or violence and that the security forces are investigating the threats and will take all the actions to bring those responsible to justice.
Information Minister, Dr Dana Morris Dixon, also condemned the threats saying “violence and the threat of violence have no place in Jamaica.
“The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy as well as our social and economic development agenda. We stand with Giovanni Dennis and all journalists in condemning attacks on the media. The government will continue to uphold and protect the rights and freedoms of the press,” she said.
In its statement, the PAJ urged the police “to do all in its power to investigate” the threats noting that the threats are an attack on press freedom in the country.
“Journalists/reporters must be allowed to do their work free from fear and intimidation from whatever source,” the PAJ said, adding that the matter has been reported to the police and to the Cyber Crimes Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
“We urge the police to do all in its power to investigate these threats and deal with the culprits involved,” said the PAJ statement signed by its president, Milton Walker.
The PAJ said it is urging journalists to be firm and resolute in their pursuit of stories and not to be intimidated by anyone.
Foer its part, the Media Association of Jamaica Limited, which represents media owners, in condemning the threats, said that it regards the threats as “as an attack on the heart of press freedom and are not to be taken lightly.
“In this regard we join the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) in calling on the authorities to address this issue with speed.
“This is also an opportunity for the authorities to establish that any form of cyber bullying and or cyber intimidation are acts which are not acceptable in our evolving digital communication-based society. ….Many of the threats directed at the journalist in the social media space are brazen and suggest that there is little fear or concern about consequences”.
