As the world celebrates #WorldPressFreedom Day 2020, Communications Minister Donna Cox has commended the work of local media, particularly during the current pandemic.

In a statement, Minister Cox said “2020 will forever be remembered as the year in which the world ‘stayed at home’ fighting a battle against an invisible and odorless virus. Both traditional and non-traditional media have risen to heights never seen before, truly deserving of the pride of place in which journalism is held.”

She thanked  journalists and media houses, the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association for the role they collectively play in ensuring that freedom of the press remains a basic pillar of our democracy.

As the Ministry of Communications reaffirmed its commitment to noted upholding press freedom, it noted Trinidad and Tobago’s improved ranking on the World Press Freedom Index, moving from a position of 44 out 180 countries in 2013 to 36 out of 180 countries in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT), in its statement on World Press Freedom Day, said the  challenges being faced by a free press in T&T highlight the responsibility of governments to walk their talk of commitment to the institution of a free press.

At the same time, it pointed out the need for media houses to invest in bettering their performance. “This moment demonstrates the responsibility of media houses to invest in training, mentoring and all aspects of care for their staff. Journalists themselves must answer the public’s call for better quality reporting and analysis. Intense editorial guidance, access to senior members of the profession and exchanges among journalists are useful strategies.” MATT said.