Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday distanced herself from the now controversial distribution of vouchers to "special journalists" at her annual media Christmas function last week, saying it was done without her knowledge.She made the comment while in Tobago for yesterday's Cabinet sitting and distribution of toys, saying she gave no instructions for cash vouchers to be distributed at the event, which was held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.
The issue became public earlier this week after a media report claimed the Government had sought to buy out journalists at the function by surreptitiously giving out the vouchers, worth $1,000 and redeemable at Massy Food Stores, to selected journalists.
The vouchers were reportedly handed out in envelopes to the journalists, some of whom latter confessed to their colleagues when questioned about it. Some of the recipients have since provided photos of the vouchers to the media. The vouchers were accompanied by a pamphlet which conveyed compliments of the season and featured the PM's photo and signature.
But asked about the gesture yesterday, Persad-Bissessar, while not flatly denying that the vouchers were given out, said if it did occur she was not aware of it since she did not authorise such an activity."I gave no such instructions. If it was done, it was not on my instructions at all.
"Certainly, no monies came out of the Office of the Prime Minister for that purpose, nor from the Ministry of the People and Social Development," she added. Minister of Trade and Communication Vasant Bharath also claimed the report was false.
Matt boss responds
Media Association president Curtis Williams, who had earlier condemned the act although admitting he had no evidence it did occur, last night welcomed Persad-Bissessar's statement that she did not give any such instructions."My concern however is whether there is any credibility in the story," he said.Williams said he did not expect any journalist who received the cash voucher "would come forward."
He added: "There may be journalists who would understand the ethical dilemma that causes and would take the necessary decision to reveal what has happened - if indeed it has happened - and to return the vouchers."While pointing out that he was "in no way giving credence to the notion that this in fact happened," Williams added: "Quite often, where there is smoke there is fire."
Williams said he hoped "this is nothing but an unnecessary rumour but at the same time one has to be vigilant and ensure that kind of thing does not occur."
Debate within fraternity
The issue had also sparked heated debate among journalists on social media web sites. Some of them have defended their colleagues while others have lashed out at them, saying it is acts like these which continue to tarnish the profession.Many media houses, including Guardian Media Ltd, have policies which deal with the acceptance of gifts from parties, especially during the Christmas season where several companies offer such incentives.
While some media houses forbid journalists from accepting any seasonal gifts, GML's code of ethics forbids them from accepting cash or vouchers, but allows gifts valued at under $200 unless permission is sought and okayed by the editor-in-chief.
Personal gain:
�2 Do not accept personal gifts valued at more than approximately $200. If a gift has more than a nominal value, it may only be accepted with the approval of the editor in chief/head of news and the managing director.
�2 Do not request or accept money, travel, goods, discounts, entertainment, or inducements of any kind.
�2 Bribes are to be rejected promptly and the EIC/head of news informed immediately.
�2 The EIC/head of news has the absolute right to decide whether to accept an offer, who should be assigned and whether a report is published/broadcast as a consequence. These conditions must be made clear to whoever made the offer.
�2 Gifts of cash or vouchers for any sum are not to be accepted.
�2 Never use your employment with GML as a means of gaining any form of entitlement or benefit for yourself or anyone else.