The Press Association of Jamaica, PAJ, has condemned remarks made by Opposition Spokesman on Security Peter Bunting, suggesting that working with a “friendly media house” may help Jamaicans gain promotions quickly.

Speaking during a People’s National Party, PNP, Candidate presentation in South East St. Elizabeth, on Sunday, Mr. Bunting said Jamaica is a strange place.

He said it appears that the quickest way to be promoted to a senior rank in the Jamaica Constabulary Force is to work with a friendly media house for a period of time.

In a statement yesterday, the PAJ said such rhetoric is deeply troubling and represents a concerning trend of trying to undermine the integrity and independence of the media.

It said journalists play a crucial role in Jamaica’s democracy, serving as watchdogs, holding power to account, and providing the public with accurate and unbiased information. 

The PAJ said any attempt to discredit the media or sow distrust among the public is an attack on the very foundations of Jamaica’s democratic society.

It called on political leaders to respect the essential role of the media and to refrain from making statements aimed at eroding public trust in journalism.