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Press Association urges Simpson Miller to appeal to supporters
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 | 11:14 PM 5 Comments
KINGSTON, Jamaica - The following is a letter from the Press Association of Jamaica under the signature of President, Dionne Jackson Miller to Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller regarding the recent siatuation with Nationwide News Network reporter Abka Fitz-Henley. The letter is published in full.
The Most Hon Mrs Portia Simpson-Miller
President, People's National Party
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89 Old Hope RoadKingston 5.
Dear Mrs Simpson-Miller:
We write to express our great concern at reports that Nationwide News Network reporter Abka Fitz-Henley was verbally and physically assaulted by persons purporting to be PNP supporters. This happened as he was attempting to leave Gordon House on March 10, 2016, after covering the swearing-in ceremony at Parliament.
Mr Fitz-Henley has reported to us that as he was heading towards his vehicle, a group converged around the vehicle shouting abuse at him. Out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Fitz-Henley turned to seek police protection to get into his vehicle, at which time he reports that small objects were thrown in his direction, and that what appeared to be a small stone, hit him. This act constituted assault.
Thankfully, he was not hurt, and the police reacted quickly and appropriately to the situation, but I am sure you will agree that incidents such as this are capable of escalation. We are also concerned about the possibility of him being assaulted more seriously, on another occasion, with a less strong security presence.
We further note and deplore comments on social media, suggesting that such abuse was warranted because of Mr. Fitz-Henley’s
reporting on political matters, and that more of the same should be expected.
Please note that we are not suggesting that such behaviour is condoned by the leadership of the PNP. Neither are we suggesting that anyone should be prevented from expressing their views about their disapproval of, or disagreement with, the work of any reporter or media house as is their right. However, we are sure you will agree that such expressions cannot descend into assault and attempts to intimidate.
We are asking for more from the PNP at this time than a statement condemning the behaviour and distancing the leaders of the party from the actions described. We believe that the closeness of the Parliamentary majority has generated strong feelings in political supporters on both sides, and that while there is an opportunity for extraordinary partnership between our parliamentarians inside Gordon House, there is also the potential for damaging conflict outside.
We believe what is needed at this time is a personal appeal from you, speaking with the full authority of the President of your party, for your supporters to allow the media in general, and Mr Fitz-Henley in particular, to be allowed to work in peace. We are suggesting that it should also be made clear that the party will not tolerate such actions by members, and will take suitable action if the perpetrators can be identified and are found to be party members.
We are convinced that such a personal appeal from you would carry great weight, and could help to calm simmering tensions. This is important as the on-going threats against Mr Fitz-Henley are inimical to Jamaica’s great tradition of press freedom.
We await your response.
Sincerely,
Dionne Jackson Miller (Mrs.)
President
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 | 11:14 PM 5 Comments
KINGSTON, Jamaica - The following is a letter from the Press Association of Jamaica under the signature of President, Dionne Jackson Miller to Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller regarding the recent siatuation with Nationwide News Network reporter Abka Fitz-Henley. The letter is published in full.
The Most Hon Mrs Portia Simpson-Miller
President, People's National Party
Sponsored Links
Moving House? Cut Removal Costs by 70%MoveHub
Grow Your Business by Accepting Card Payments Today.SumUp
89 Old Hope RoadKingston 5.
Dear Mrs Simpson-Miller:
We write to express our great concern at reports that Nationwide News Network reporter Abka Fitz-Henley was verbally and physically assaulted by persons purporting to be PNP supporters. This happened as he was attempting to leave Gordon House on March 10, 2016, after covering the swearing-in ceremony at Parliament.
Mr Fitz-Henley has reported to us that as he was heading towards his vehicle, a group converged around the vehicle shouting abuse at him. Out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Fitz-Henley turned to seek police protection to get into his vehicle, at which time he reports that small objects were thrown in his direction, and that what appeared to be a small stone, hit him. This act constituted assault.
Thankfully, he was not hurt, and the police reacted quickly and appropriately to the situation, but I am sure you will agree that incidents such as this are capable of escalation. We are also concerned about the possibility of him being assaulted more seriously, on another occasion, with a less strong security presence.
We further note and deplore comments on social media, suggesting that such abuse was warranted because of Mr. Fitz-Henley’s
reporting on political matters, and that more of the same should be expected.
Please note that we are not suggesting that such behaviour is condoned by the leadership of the PNP. Neither are we suggesting that anyone should be prevented from expressing their views about their disapproval of, or disagreement with, the work of any reporter or media house as is their right. However, we are sure you will agree that such expressions cannot descend into assault and attempts to intimidate.
We are asking for more from the PNP at this time than a statement condemning the behaviour and distancing the leaders of the party from the actions described. We believe that the closeness of the Parliamentary majority has generated strong feelings in political supporters on both sides, and that while there is an opportunity for extraordinary partnership between our parliamentarians inside Gordon House, there is also the potential for damaging conflict outside.
We believe what is needed at this time is a personal appeal from you, speaking with the full authority of the President of your party, for your supporters to allow the media in general, and Mr Fitz-Henley in particular, to be allowed to work in peace. We are suggesting that it should also be made clear that the party will not tolerate such actions by members, and will take suitable action if the perpetrators can be identified and are found to be party members.
We are convinced that such a personal appeal from you would carry great weight, and could help to calm simmering tensions. This is important as the on-going threats against Mr Fitz-Henley are inimical to Jamaica’s great tradition of press freedom.
We await your response.
Sincerely,
Dionne Jackson Miller (Mrs.)
President