Francesca, Rampersad and Lyndersay appointed to MATT Cybercrime Bill steering committee

MATT Executive Sunday 25 March 2018 Letters to the Editor, View Point 1 Comment

The following media statement by the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) on the proposed Cybercrime Bill was issued on Saturday 24 March, 2018:

Today the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago appointed a steering committee to address deep concerns regarding upcoming Cybercrime legislation which has the potential to affect the work of journalists and the freedom of expression of average citizens.

Photo: Former MATT executive member Dr Sheila Rampersad (left) holds court during a MATT meeting on the Cybercrime Bill.
(Copyright MATT)

The committee was appointed following an emergency meeting held at the TSTT Booth, Queen’s Park Oval. The meeting follows MATT’s appearance before a Joint Select Committee on the Cybercrime Bill held on 13 March, 2018.

During the meeting, members were given the floor to express their thoughts on the proposed legislation and to provide guidance to the executive. Members expressed the view that the bill, as it is now worded, poses a serious threat to journalism and the public interest.

The members of the steering committee on the Cybercrime Bill are MATT Vice President Joel Julien, former MATT President Francesca Hawkins, Dr Sheila Rampersad, Mark Lyndersay and Kalifa Clyne. The committee will guide MATT’s approach and strategy in dealing with the controversial bill.

MATT will be keeping members updated of our work to change this seriously flawed legislation in the days and weeks ahead as well as engaging in public outreach.