With all their flaws, the media of this country still serve as a watchdog for the rights and freedoms of citizens and that freedom must be cherished and fiercely protected. Free and vigilant media are vital to restrain corruption and injustice and journalists should be able to do their work with a sense of security and confidence.
The reported threat to investigative journalist Mark Bassant must not be overshadowed by the latest bacchanal surrounding a government minister, but must be treated extremely seriously and condemned by all those in authority. The police, of whose capabilities and diligence National Security Minister Gary Griffith has taken to boasting, should focus these high-powered abilities on investigating and dealing forcefully with these threats.
As has been shown so many times, the media are a crucial pillar of T&T's democracy and over the decades have often been essential in uncovering corruption and other wrongdoing by those in positions of public authority and private individuals alike.The incident involving Mr Bassant, which has forced him to leave the country for his own safety, is not an isolated case. Threats to journalists have been increasing in severity and frequency in recent times. Just last year this newspaper had to make arrangements to safeguard investigative journalists who had reason to believe they were at risk, including one who was followed most of the way home by a strange car.
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