Gov’t. Does Not Want to Quarrel With Media – Vaz

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has assured that the Government is not interested in getting into a quarrel with the media.
Mr. Vaz, who was addressing journalists at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, today (Sept. 1), was responding to recent reports relating to the Prime Minister and his comments made in relation to how information is presented by the press.
“The government has always been and will continue to be committed to free press in Jamaica. This was borne out recently by the accommodating position of the government as it relates to press freedom and access during the recent state of emergency. Freedom of the press is fundamental to democratic governance,” Mr. Vaz stated, pointing out, however, that practitioners must exercise balance in their reports.
“As Minister of Information, I continue to have the utmost respect for not only the media in general but the individual media practitioners, and I think I enjoy a good relationship where we can be open and honest with one another, while respecting personal positions,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vaz said the government has received a formal request from the Press Association of Jamaica to hold discussions, details of which are to be finalised. “We will keep you advised,” the Minister said.