KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has condemned the “reprehensible and cowardly” attack on the offices of a Corporate Area-based media house – Nationwide News Network (NNN).
According to police reports, on Friday afternoon, a lone gunman on a motorcycle opened fire in the parking lot of the company’s compound.
Two vehicles were damaged. One had at least four bullet holes and a shattered front passenger window.
Several employees were in the parking lot at the time of the attack, but no one was hurt.
“This vile act constitutes an unprecedented assault on a news organization and represents a grave attack on the fundamental principles of press freedom that all Jamaicans hold dear,” said PAJ president Milton Walker.
The PAJ said it stands in solidarity with N and the broader journalism community in Jamaica during this challenging time.
“We firmly believe that an independent and fearless press is the cornerstone of any democratic society. An attack on one news organization is an attack on the collective freedom of the press, and it is an affront to the values of democracy and transparency,” said Walker.
The PAJ has called on the police to investigate the incident swiftly, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served and also urged all Jamaicans to unite in condemning this act of violence against the press.
The Press Association maintained that attacks on the media will not deter journalists from their duty to inform the public and ensure that the truth prevails.
Meanwhile, the media owners umbrella group – Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ). They called the incident a dark day for journalism and expressed “shock, disgust, and disappointment” at the attack on the media house.
The MAJ also warned that the attack may intimidate journalists from carrying out their work on behalf of the public.
And the Andrew Holness-led administration has also condemned the attack on Nationwide News.
In a statement, Information Minister Robert Morgan said any attack on any media member is an attack on democracy.
He also restated the government’s commitment and support to a free press, which it said should not be intimidated in any way.
Meanwhile, the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) said it is astonished by reports of the attack on Nationwide but relieved that no worker was injured in the incident.
It urged the police to launch a “swift and comprehensive” investigation into the matter and implored anyone with information to share this with the police immediately.
and then  has condemned the “reprehensible and cowardly” attack on the offices of a Corporate Area-based){kind=link}