PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jul 24, CMC-The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) Friday condemned an incident in which the vehicle of the Tobago-based multi-media journalist, Elizabeth Williams was firebombed, saying journalists must be able to carry out their duties “without fear, and any attack of this nature should have no place in our society”.
MATT said that the incident occurred during the early hours of Friday morning and that the TV6 journalist and her daughter were able to extinguish the flames and that the matter has since been reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). The police have not issued a statement on the incident.
“Police officers responded, processed the scene and investigations are continuing. While information remains limited at this time, MATT is relieved that Ms. Williams and her daughter are safe,” MATT said, adding that it is extending “unwavering support to Williams and her family during this distressing time.
“We call on the TTPS to conduct a swift, thorough and transparent investigation to determine who was responsible and the motive behind the attack,” MATT said, noting that at this stage, there is no evidence that the incident was connected to the journalist’s work.
“However, neither can that possibility be ruled out. Given the serious implications for press freedom should that prove to be the case, we urge the TTPS to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and ensure that every investigative avenue is pursued.
“This incident also comes against the backdrop of growing concerns about the environment in which journalists operate. In the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Trinidad and Tobago fell 13 places to rank 32nd out of 180 countries, “ MATT added.
It said that while Trinidad and Tobago remains under a state of emergency(SoE) and there has been no restriction on media freedom, “any act of violence or intimidation involving a journalist warrants serious concern, regardless of whether it is ultimately found to be related to their work”.
CMC/hg/ir/2026