By Linda Straker
THE Tillman Thomas administration is denying reports that there is direct political interference affecting a section of Grenada’s media and instead is insisting that media practitioners are blaming the state whenever independent media houses make decisions adversely affecting media workers.
“The administration notes with much concern, the increasing trend of appropriating blame to the State whenever independent agencies make decisions that may adversely affect par- ticular practitioners. Government is also alarmed that this trend is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the country’s image regarding its adherence to freedom of the media in all its forms,” said a release from Government in response to a statement from the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG).
“We have maintained an unwavering obligation to media freedom and an atmosphere in which people can freely express their views, whether it favours Government or not,” the statement quotes Junior Information Minister, Senator Glen Noel, as saying.
Categorically denying any involvement in the removal of any media practitioner from their employment, the statement said that Govern-ment rejects, completely, intimations that it has harassed and or intimidated the membership of the MWAG.
“It must be noted that Minister for Information and Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas, has consistently assured the media, his countrymen and the international community of his Government’s adherence to a free and unencumbered media that recognises the basic tenets of professionalism, responsible and ethical behaviour,” said the statement, which called on “bona fide media workers” to insist that their profession not be used or “manipulated to settle vendettas and political scores”.
The association claims that media owners and workers are reporting of increased pressures by high profile officials acting on behalf of the administration of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.
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