Under the title, “A free press: oxygen of democracy,” the Press Association of Jamaica issued a strong condemnation to a gun attack on Nationwide News Network’s offices in Kingston.

The statement follows…

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) condemns in the strongest possible terms the reprehensible and cowardly attack on the offices of Nationwide News Network (NNN) in St Andrew this afternoon.

At approximately 4:30 PM, an armed individual drove up to the NNN office on a motor bike and brazenly fired at least three gunshots into the station’s parking lot.

Two cars belonging to employees of the station were damaged in the attack.

“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 stands unwaveringly in solidarity with NNN 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 PAJ president Milton Walker.

The PAJ has called on the police to swiftly investigate this incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is served.

The PAJ urges all Jamaicans to unite in condemning this act of violence against the press.

“We must stand together to protect and uphold the principles of press freedom, democracy, and the right of all citizens to access accurate and unbiased information,” said Walker.

The Press Association of Jamaica maintains that attacks on the media will not deter journalists from their duty to inform the public and ensure that the truth prevails.

Milton Walker
President