According to reports reaching our newsroom, Rosan of Guavaberry Media was twice asked to excuse herself from the press briefing.

Prior to the press conference, Chief Information Officer Ms Desriee Smith had first reportedly invited Rosan to a private meeting and admonished her not to leave her personal belongings behind.

Rosan returned shortly after and informed her colleagues that she was asked to leave as the Premier refused to have her present.

Shortly after, a uniformed female police officer attempted to have Ms Rosan leave; however, the talk show host refused.

After more than 45 minutes past the scheduled start of the press conference, all reporters present took a unified decision to boycott the press conference as a show of solidarity to Rosan and press freedom.

‘The Premier didn’t want me there’- Rosan

Asked about the reasons given for wanting to refuse her access to the press conference, Rosan told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that none was given.

“They gave none besides the premier didn’t want me there.

“Same thing he has done with Tola Radio. Told the owner I’m not to be a part of the panel when he is on and he’s not to accept questions from me,” Rosan said.

Chief Information Officer Smith did not respond to our request for comment; however, she issued a statement moments ago, but did not address the matter with Rosan.

“Regrettably, we could not bring the press briefing as expected, and we do apologise for this inconvenience.

In place of the press briefing, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley was able to report to the public via a press statement to provide the public with an update on his CARICOM meeting attendance,” Smith stated.

Premier Wheatley also did not respond to our request for comment.

Rosan has been a fierce critic of the Premier and has also used press conferences to level serious allegations against the Premier, including about violating Labour laws and infidelity.