PAJ condemns Peter Bunting’s 'friendly media house' remarks

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has condemned remarks by People's National Party (PNP) spokesman Peter Bunting, who recently questioned whether certain police officers are being promoted because of ties with a "friendly media house". 

"It seems the fastest way to tun SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) is to work with a friendly media house for a few years, get transferred to the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) and you catapulted from district constable to senior superintendent in a couple years," said Senator Bunting, who shadows the national security portfolio. 

But PAJ President Dashan Hendricks described the comments as "deeply troubling".

"Such rhetoric is deeply troubling and represents a concerning trend of trying to undermine the integrity and independence of the media," said Hendricks in a statement on Tuesday. 

The PAJ emphasised the critical role journalists play in democracy, acting as watchdogs and providing the public with "accurate and unbiased information."

The association warned that attempts to discredit the media or sow public distrust represent "an attack on the very foundations of our democratic society."

Hendricks said the PAJ is committed to defending press freedom and urged political leaders to respect the media's essential role and avoid statements that erode public trust in journalism.

"We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the media and will continue to advocate for a free, fair, and independent press in Jamaica," Hendricks said.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions between media houses and political figures over perceptions of bias, particularly as the country moves towards a general election. 

The PAJ and the Government recently condemned attacks against six senior journalists at The Gleaner newspaper. 

READ MORE: Gov't condemns attacks on journalists

Government MP Everald Warmington and PNP President Mark Golding have also been criticised for past comments about the media. 

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