The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has strongly condemned the recent attack on the offices of Nationwide News Network (NNN), calling it “reprehensible and cowardly.”

On Friday afternoon, a lone gunman on a motorcycle opened fire in the parking lot of the NNN compound, damaging two vehicles, one of which was hit with at least four bullets and a shattered front passenger window. Fortunately, no one was hurt as several employees were in the parking lot when the attack occurred.

PAJ President, Milton Walker, stated that this vile act constitutes an unprecedented assault on a news organization and represents a serious attack on the fundamental principles of press freedom that all Jamaicans hold dear.

The PAJ stands in solidarity with NNN and the broader journalism community in Jamaica during this challenging time.

An independent and fearless press is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and an attack on one news organisation is an attack on the collective freedom of the press, and it is an affront to the values of democracy and transparency.

The PAJ has called on the police to swiftly investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served.

They have also urged all Jamaicans to unite in condemning this act of violence against the press. The Press Association maintained that attacks on the media would not deter journalists from their duty to inform the public and ensure that the truth prevails.

The Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) has also condemned the attack on NNN, calling it a dark day for journalism. The group expresses “shock, disgust, and disappointment” at the attack on the media house and warns that it might intimidate journalists from carrying out their work on behalf of the public.

Meanwhile, the government has also condemned the attack on NNN. In a statement, Information Minister Robert Morgan said any attack on any member of the media is an attack on democracy. He also restated the government’s commitment and support to a free press, which it said, should not be intimidated in any way.

The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) expressed astonishment at reports of the attack on Nationwide but was relieved that no worker was injured in the incident. The PNP urged the police to launch a “swift and comprehensive” investigation into the matter and implored anyone with information to immediately share this with the police.