KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct 14, CMC – A legislator with the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has accused the RJR Gleaner Communications Group of having an agenda to tarnish the reputation of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Speaking at a JLP constituency conference on Sunday, Everald Warmington, maintained his criticism of the media group, despite a statement last week by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) calling on the country to join it “in condemning this attack on press freedom” after expressing concern about claims by supporters of the two main political parties here against media houses and journalists.
But Warmington told supporters at the JLP constituency conference for St Catherine South Eastern that even as the Holness government has condemned the recent attacks on the media, he would not be silenced.
“I am saying again that the agenda of the Gleaner company and RJR is to get rid of Andrew Holness and the Labour Party. So last week when they claim government condemn, let me talk today as labourite and if Labour Party come out tomorrow to condemn what I say, I say it again the other day because nobody going to shut me up.
“My position is I must do all I can to ensure that we get the third term,” Warmington told supporters, adding “they attacked (former prime ministers) Edward Seaga, they attacked Bruce Golding…now they gone on Andrew Holness”.
He said it is now up to the JLP supporters to “defend our leader at all costs,” adding “we will defend Andrew Holness to death”.
Last week, the PAJ said its concern surrounds claims made in a video circulating online that falsely accuses the chairman of the RJRGLEANER Group of directing editorial policy and links journalists at the Jamaica Gleaner to the People’s National Party (PNP).
“While we acknowledge the importance of free speech, we cannot tolerate misinformation that undermines the integrity of our profession. The PAJ reaffirms its commitment to promoting ethical journalism, media independence, and transparency.
“The PAJ stands in solidarity with our colleagues and rejects any attempts to politicise journalism or intimidate media practitioners. The PAJ reminds the public that a free press is essential to holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency and accountability. We will not stand idly by while our members face harassment, intimidation, or smear campaigns,” the PAJ said.
CMC/af/ir/2024