The Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA) has spoken out against the Prime Minister’s pronouncement that media houses had an apparent agenda against him, describing his position as  “unfortunate”.

It comes after Dr. Rowley spoke at length about his disdain for media’s handling of the Rio Treaty saga during Thursday’s Post-Cabinet media briefing, which he said was far removed from the truth and inspired by “protecting interests”.

In a statement on Friday, the TTPBA said as a Prime Minister elected by the citizens of this country, he must have an expectation, as a member of government, of being held accountable.

“The all too familiar attacks on the media from all parties anytime the facts reported are not to their liking should not numb us to the dangers this behaviour presents. Not only to the physical danger to journalists, as ardent supporters are unable to see through the politicking and take matters into their own hands but to the danger to our democracy,” it said.

The Association said a free press, which includes freedom from intimidation and reprisals, “is a corner stone of democracy and the increasing assaults and venom with which they are delivered should be a concern to us all”.