Members of the Media Association of T&T (MATT) executive are in talks on the future of that executive team and if they would continue in office, MATT vice-president Khamal Georges and floor member Jabari Fraser confirmed. Members were contacted yesterday following reports that the entire MATT executive was giving consideration to resign.
Its latest executive was elected, via secret ballot, in August 2013. Its president Curtis Williams received 34 votes, three votes more than his nearest rival. Williams is communication officer for the Tobago House of Assembly’s Tourism Division. Williams had said training and development for journalists would be top of the executive’s agenda, hosting of MATT awards and it had to become more self-sufficient.
Yesterday Georges conceded MATT “is not what it should be.” He, however, said he did not want to pinpoint anyone in particular. He said there had been no official position on whether members would resign and they were in talks, via e-mails and text messages. He said a statement was in the works and would be released today.
Neither confirming nor denying reports that the issue involves MATT leadership, Georges said members anticipated a heavy workload for the election and there was debate on if they could function with that and at MATT’s helm also. “That’s (heavy election work load) my reason,” Georges added. Asked about leadership, including MATT head Curtis Williams’ performance, Georges said everyone should be responsible for their work and he would not pinpoint Williams alone. He could not comment on Williams.
Fraser said: “The MATT executive is considering its future and as soon as we decide something we will let the general membership know.” Asked why the situation had developed, Fraser said: “It’s always tricky balancing the heavy journalistic schedule and other responsibilities.” Williams said a statement on the situation was to be sent out but the group had not yet concluded some issues and was working through that.
Asked to shed some light on any of the matters, he could not disclose details. He said the issue was whether or not members have time to do MATT’s work. He said there was no rancour or bacchanal. Asked if his performance formed any part of the issue, Williams said: “I’m not responding to that... that matter has not been raised. There’s no substance in that... who raised it?... you can’t raise that,” he added, advising against “creating bacchanal.”
MATT floor member Richard Charan said a statement was coming yesterday and would be e-mailed. None was received up to 6 pm. Carla Bridgelal, who was elected MATT treasurer, migrated last year to study. MATT assistant secretary Omatie Lyder was not available. MATT secretary Akash Samaroo did not answer calls.
This is the latest issue affecting the media body formed in 1986. The previous MATT executive also suffered problems, resulting in the resignation of the entire executive and its replacement by the current executive.