Information Minister Morris Dixon advocates for media freedom amid recent attacks
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister with Responsibility for Information, Skills, and Digital Transformation, says the Andrew Holness-led administration supports the media and condemns all forms of attacks against it.
Her comments follow recent attacks against media houses and journalists by the two major political parties, accusing them of being politically aligned.
“This administration is very much committed to press freedom, and I think everything we have done has demonstrated that. Our commitment to these Wednesday morning meetings is very much indicative of that. We come here every Wednesday, invite the media, and bring ministers out to take every question, whether they are hard or easy. We don’t run away from the media; we believe that it is absolutely important to democracy, and so we support the media. You spoke about attacks on the media—this is never acceptable. The media is crucial to democracy and plays a significant role in our society,” Morris Dixon said.
She further reiterated a call by Prime Minister Andrew Holness for new legislation to create a safe online space where the freedoms and rights of all Jamaicans can be respected.
“I think that the conversation our Prime Minister initiated about social media and the accountability for what is said is something we really need to look at. This relates not only to the media but also to many other areas. Our children are being bullied on social media, and this is something we must address. There are many instances on social media where falsehoods are spread, and we, as a country, need to decide what kind of nation we want,” Morris Dixon stressed.
The minister reiterated the importance of the media in a democratic nation.
The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attacks on journalists and media outlets and rejected any efforts to politicize journalism or intimidate reporters. They underscored the essential role of a free press in holding power accountable and maintaining transparency.
Comments