Rowley challenges TATT scrutiny, cites past silence

2026-03-22 - 01:05

Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley has criticised the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) for reviewing the media’s broadcast of his “jamette” comment, questioning why the regulator had not acted during past political controversies. In a Facebook post yesterday, Rowley suggested that TATT’s scrutiny reflects a broader trend of media suppression seen internationally. He asked, “You sound surprised by the TATT awakening. Isn’t that threatening of the media part of what is happening abroad and very well known to us for copying here?” Rowley also questioned whether TATT was a new authority, asking, “BTW is the TTAT (sic) a new organisation in Trinidad and Tobago?” He compared the current response to earlier controversies, which he said went unchallenged, citing former United National Congress officials and comments by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Rowley referenced a past incident in which Jack Warner allegedly involved a lawyer to formalise a public allegation against a prime minister, noting he “didn’t hear from the TTAT (sic) and the advisers then.” Rowley said he was defending himself against what he called a false claim that Balisier House, the People’s National Movement’s 70-year-old headquarters, was built with drug money. He also criticised Persad-Bissessar’s past conduct in Parliament, saying, “Apparently, when Mrs Persad-Bissessar is rampaging against the people that she denigrates on an ongoing basis, that is satisfactory to some people. Well, I’m sorry, but once she makes the mistake of slandering me inside the Parliament, I reserve my right and remain quite happy to respond as I see fit outside of the Parliament.” Rowley added that if his response generated revenue for the players connected to the incident, he was “even happier and the hypocrites could take a hike until she attacks them and tells lies on them as is her habit because she is the Prime Minister.” PNM MP Camille Robinson-Regis said outrage over Rowley’s statement must be seen in context, pointing out that the former prime minister has faced years of personal and often unsubstantiated attacks. She said his response “did not emerge in a vacuum” and came after a “serious and damaging allegation” against the PNM and its supporters. Robinson-Regis said respect in public life cannot be selectively demanded and criticised what she described as manufactured outrage. She also referenced unresolved questions raised by Rowley regarding Government actions during the UNC administration, including the removal of radar from Tobago, claims by former Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, and details surrounding the Dana Seetahal murder investigation. TATT on Friday said it is reviewing the matter and reminded broadcasters of their obligations under their concessions, particularly section D9, which forbids transmitting content that degrades or discriminates against any person or group by reason of race, origin, class, religion, or sex. The regulator said it would take action if a breach had been found. The TATT board is chaired by Cris Seecheran, with Jerome Khan as deputy chairman and members Mentor Baptiste, Suresh Boodoo, Dion Khan, Justin Koo, Danielle Pounder, Russell Romero, and Avanti Supersad.