The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago is marking World Press Freedom Day 2026, joining the global call for stronger protection of journalists and media independence.
In a statement issued today, the association highlighted the 35th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration and reaffirmed its support for media workers across Trinidad and Tobago.
It noted the country’s decline in the latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, where Trinidad and Tobago fell 13 places to rank 32nd out of 180 countries.
The report points to ongoing concerns including political influence through advertising, risks of self-censorship linked to crime and security pressures, and challenges faced by women in the media sector.
The association also raised alarm over growing misinformation online, including incidents where journalists are recorded while working and their footage is shared out of context on social media.
Despite these concerns, the group pointed to a recent Court of Appeal ruling involving Trinidad Express Newspapers, which found that search warrants executed at the newsroom were unconstitutional and breached press freedom protections.
The Media Association described the ruling as a key safeguard for journalistic independence and protection of sources.
It also noted that journalists in Trinidad and Tobago generally operate in a safe environment, with no reported killings or detentions, even during recent states of emergency.
The association says it will continue advocating for press freedom, ethical standards, and protection for media professionals.
The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago is currently lead by Prior Beharry