Former Trinidad PM Rowley questions TATT review of ‘jamette’ comment

Former Prime Minister 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 previous political controversies.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Rowley suggested that TATT’s scrutiny reflects a broader pattern 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 the regulator was newly established, asking, “BTW is the TTAT (sic) a new organisation in Trinidad and Tobago?”

He compared the current response to earlier incidents that he said went unchallenged, citing former members of the United National Congress (UNC) and remarks made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Rowley referenced a past matter involving Jack Warner, in which a lawyer was allegedly engaged to formalise a public allegation against a prime minister, noting he “didn’t hear from the TTAT (sic) and the advisers then.”

The former prime minister said his comments were made in response to what he described as a false claim that Balisier House, the headquarters of the People’s National Movement, was built with drug money.

Last week, Rowley labelled Persad-Bissessar a “jamette” for failing to provide evidence to support allegations that the PNM is involved in criminal activity.

“If (Persad-Bissessar) can’t come in front of me and show me an iota of evidence to support that allegation, I say again that we are unfortunate to have a jamette as the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

He also criticised Persad-Bissessar’s conduct in Parliament, stating, “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.”

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Rowley added that if his response generated revenue for those 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.”

Meanwhile, PNM Member of Parliament Camille Robinson-Regis defended Rowley, saying the backlash must be viewed in context. She argued that the former prime minister has faced years of personal and often unsubstantiated attacks, and that his response “did not emerge in a vacuum.”

Robinson-Regis said his remarks followed what she described as a “serious and damaging allegation” against the PNM and its supporters, adding that respect in public life should not be selectively applied. 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 issues surrounding the Dana Seetahal murder investigation.

In a statement on Friday, TATT said it is reviewing the matter and reminded broadcasters of their obligations under their concessions, particularly Section D9, which prohibits the transmission of content that degrades or discriminates against any person or group on the basis of race, origin, class, religion, or sex. The regulator said it would take action if a breach is found.