Above: Tobago-based MATT’s executive meets with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine to discuss concerns over the lack of access faced by the media fraternity at events of public importance in Tobago. Photo by Leeandro Noray.

MATT reached out to Tobago’s Chief following the exclusion of the media from Thursday’s Tobago House of Assembly (THA) swearing-in ceremonies in early December and limitations placed on media coverage at the island’s airport on the arrival of the first international flight in more than a year.

On Tuesday, 18th January, MATT’s Vice President, Kandace Jackson, Assistant Secretary Clayton Clarke, and Tobago based photojournalist Leeandro Noray met and raised media issues with Mr Augustine and THA’s Executive Council members.

Following a one-hour discussion, Augustine committed to putting a priority on  hiring a press secretary to bridge the gaps of accessibility between the media and the administration.

He also committed to the following:

  • Photojournalists will be allowed to cover government events where spacing is an issue, either on a rotational basis or pool.
  • WhatsApp chats will be used to communicate more effectively with the media until a press secretary can be hired.
  • The administration will respond to journalists queries on government matters in cognisant of media deadlines.
  • Tobago-based media will get priority for access and information.
  • A meeting is planned between the Assembly Legislature and MATT to find solutions towards better coverage of plenary sittings.

The Chief Secretary, Farley Augustine, reiterated his commitment to the freedom of the press in Tobago and saw support for the Fourth Estate as crucial to the administration’s mandate.

“The THA recognises the media is critical in the democratic process and are committed to keeping the lines of communication open between government and media,” Mr Augustine said.

“We are committed to working with the media to create a greater participatory democracy, including our constituents and the people of Tobago.”

Mr Augustine also expressed the hope that Tobago media grows and becomes more competitive with counterparts across T&T and in the region.

MATT is encouraged by the meeting with the THA and by the Chief Secretary’s commitment to working with the media to strengthen the work of the Fourth Estate and will keep members updated as to the progress of media access in Tobago.