THE Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) unequivocally condemns remarks by Dr Dayton Campbell, general secretary of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), at the party’s St Andrew East Central Constituency Conference on Sunday, September 3.

Dr Campbell referred to Nationwide News Network (NNN) as an “incubator for the Jamaica Labour Party”.

The remarks, said the PAJ, are not only irresponsible, but also dangerous.

“Such remarks, coming from a prominent political figure, have the potential to place Nationwide journalists at risk of attacks by political activists and party supporters. The PAJ calls upon Dr Dayton Campbell to retract his harmful statements and promote an environment where journalists can work free from fear of reprisal,” said a PAJ statement.

The PAJ, at the same time, reminded political leaders that the safety of journalists is paramount to the preservation of democracy.

“By putting journalists in harm’s way, Dr Campbell’s comments are a blatant attack on press freedom and represent a grave escalation of assaults on the principles of a free and independent press. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and it is the responsibility of all citizens, including politicians, to safeguard and respect this vital component of our democracy,” said the PAJ.

As the campaign season for national elections approaches, it urged politicians on both sides of the aisle to exercise caution and responsibility in their rhetoric.

“Political discourse should be characterised by respect for differing opinions and a commitment to upholding democratic principles, including press freedom.”

Nationwide, in a letter to the PNP general secretary, said it is beyond reprehensible that a man holding the position of general secretary of a major political party can seek to stoke anti-journalist feelings in the way he had. The radio station also told Campbell that by virtue of his words he has declared an open season on its employees, “effectively giving PNP supporters free reign to see us as the enemy and treat us accordingly”.

NNN said Campbell’s comment also serves to pull down the country’s press freedom rank down to the gutter.