The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) is calling on Guardian Media Limited (GML) to publicly address serious allegations of ethical compromise following the resignation of senior investigative journalist Joshua Seemungal.
In a release issued today, MATT expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Seemungal’s departure, in which he cited compromised editorial independence and ethical failings as his reasons for leaving the organisation.
Seemungal reportedly stated that he resigned to protect his ethical integrity and moral compass after witnessing situations he believed severely undermined the investigative desk’s ability to serve the public interest.
According to MATT, among the most troubling allegations is the claim that a senior editorial employee engaged in political work ahead of the 2025 General Election, including attending a high-profile political event, contributing to campaign material for a major political party, and allegedly attempting to recruit Seemungal for political research and writing. Despite these reported activities, the individual was said to have been permitted by newsroom leadership to return to editorial duties after the election.
Seemungal also alleged the unexplained suppression of several investigative stories he believed met appropriate editorial and legal standards, a view he said was supported by experienced external editors. He further claimed that after raising concerns internally, his performance appraisal scores declined, raising fears of professional retaliation.
MATT condemned the silence from GML’s management, warning that a lack of transparency in the face of such serious accusations damages not only the reputation of Guardian Media Limited, but the broader media landscape in Trinidad and Tobago.
The association stressed that at a time when traditional media faces unprecedented threats from closures and the spread of misinformation on social media, the core pillars of journalism: integrity, independence, and accuracy, must be firmly defended.
“The public relies on the Fourth Estate to hold powerful institutions and individuals accountable, regardless of political affiliation or influence,” MATT stated, adding that the product of journalism must always remain beyond suspicion.
MATT’s Vice President Kejan Haynes reportedly recused himself from the preparation of the release.