PAJ ALARMED AT THREATS TO MEDIA WORKER, URGES SPEEDY INVESTIGATION

November 23, 2016: The Press Association of Jamaica is alarmed at the threats being made to a CVM cameraman and the harassment of him and his family, as a direct result of his performing his duties.

Following the publication last week of a story about controversial comments made by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller while on a political party platform, the cameraman has been receiving threatening and abusive phone calls. This has been exacerbated by the harassment of him and his family, as he continues to do his job.

“It is ironic that this is happening even as we celebrate National Journalism Week,” says PAJ President Dionne Jackson Miller.

“Our colleague was doing his job. He brought to national attention comments by one of our elected representatives, the Opposition Leader no less, that sparked a national dialogue, and attracted significant criticism. This is exactly the role that media workers are supposed to play in informing the public, and we are very disturbed that his life and safety may now be at risk as a result.”

The threats have been reported to the police.

“We understand that the police have been very helpful,” says Jackson Miller. “We thank them for their efforts so far and strongly urge them to speedily complete their investigations into this matter, which is of great concern to not just the media community, but to the wider society.

“Press freedom is one of the foundation stones of any democratic society, and we reject and condemn these actions by thugs trying to intimidate our colleague. We stand with him and our colleagues at CVM, and we encourage and support him as he and his family go through this difficult time.”

Commentary

Shameful Indeed!

We condemn the perpetrator(s) responsible for threats to CVM cameraman. We will not be intimidated.

We say to Portia Simpson Miller and Comrades to rein in their/your supporters. We have no evidence you are involved but these threats come on the heels of the media covering a PNP fracas in South East St. Ann a weekend or so ago.

Portia Disgraced self …

Images both audio and visual of an enraged Opposition Leader at the said meeting has been widely condemned in Social media and else where.

Ombudsman

The Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown summoned Portia to a meeting yesterday for her to explain her alleged threats and reported unbecoming conduct at said political rally in St. Ann.

There has been turmoil in the constituency as opponents of Lisa “Jezebel” Hanna, MP want to see the back of the former beauty queen.

Allegations of untrustworthy dealings in the PNP held Constituency caused an OCG corruption probe .. we await the findings. The MP has denied any wrongdoing.

Portia was enraged by these calls for MP Hanna to go. There are other issues of discontent aired at the meeting. Further details will be posted in Vision Newspaper soon.

The treats to rhe cameraman follows this meeting and comes in Journalism Week being celebrated November 20-26, 2016.

What a shame and disgracre! See PAJ release attached.

Local Government elections are set for Monday, November 28.

Commentary by Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.