Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Dr Anselm London, says it is important that the press not only enjoy the freedom enshrined in the Constitution but must also uphold responsibility. "You are the guardian of the democracy. Do your work truthfully, fearlessly and accurately," he said, while addressing members of the media during Wednesday's post-executive council news conference. He made the remark in observance of yesterday's World Press Freedom Day. London said the media must be responsible.
He said: "Be careful, call a spade a spade, but we must be careful not to impugn without evidence. In dealing with the press I want to be forthright with you, I want to be upfront with you, this administration is committed to bringing the story out even before you ask the question so that the public can be informed and we can do our work." London noted that the media in T&T should protect itself from those who are involved in disreputable actions and should rise above the challenges.
"Notwithstanding the challenges the press would have had in Trinidad and Tobago over the last several months, and I will not go into the incidents, I say you must guard that freedom and guard it jealously and stand at the door to protect those who by their nefarious acts may wish to challenge the press." London said media houses had a responsibility to invest in their members of staff. He suggested that the implementation of foreign exchange programmes with the international media would assist the growth of journalists in their field.
