KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a response to the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), has given its commitment to freedom of the press.

The PAJ, who has rallied around Reporters Without Borders, asked the Jamaican government to support the call for the appointment of a Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for the Safety of Journalists, within the corridors of the UN.In a press release this afternoon the PAJ stated that they were encouraged by the commitment after the Ministry responded by stating: “…given Jamaica’s commitment to freedom of the press…you can rely on the commitment of the Government of Jamaica, through our permanent mission to the UN in New York, to advance this initiative.”The PAJ explained that it was the overall assessment of the state of press freedom outlined in the 2017 index by Reporters Without Borders, that prompted them to support the idea.Reporters Without Borders stated that, “Attacks on the media have become commonplace and strongmen are on the rise. We have reached the age of post-truth, propaganda, and suppression of freedoms – especially in democracies.”The PAJ also noted that it looks forward to seeing the Jamaican government’s continued and active support for this important appointment.