By Joey Bartlett
Guardian Media Limited’s Investigative Desk is expected to undergo leadership changes in August, with investigative journalist Asha Javeed set to transition from her role as Lead Editor, Investigations, to Senior Journalist.
The move comes weeks after another investigative journalist, Joshua Seemungal, publicly announced his resignation from the organisation on June 15 in a statement posted on Facebook. Seemungal cited what he described as “organisational ethical failings” affecting the work of the desk.
“I have resigned to protect my ethical integrity, peace of mind, and moral compass,” he wrote.
People with knowledge of the newsroom’s operations said Javeed’s transition has prompted internal discussions. Guardian Media has not publicly commented on the expected changes.
The leadership shift comes amid a period of change within the unit. Senior Investigative Reporter Shaliza Hassanali is also expected to retire later this year.
Individuals familiar with the desk’s operations have also raised concerns about reported internal tensions involving Javeed and senior reporter Elizabeth Gonzales, who earlier this year moved from a freelance Tobago correspondent role to a full-time position in Trinidad.
The reported tensions led to a “marathon meeting” between Managing Editor Kaymar Jordan and Gonzales, who raised her concerns with Jordan. The details surrounding the reported disagreements were not disclosed.
Set to take the helm of the Investigative Desk is Melissa Williams-Sambrano, lead Sunday desk editor. Colleagues describe her as an experienced editor who already works closely with the investigations team and has a strong understanding of its operations.
Javeed’s career spans coverage of governance, public procurement, finance, business, energy and politics, with experience at Guardian Media, CNMG, the Business Guardian and Caribbean Communications Network.
However, unsubstantiated online claims have alleged political links involving Javeed, including an assertion she worked for the former government during its 2025 general election campaign. No public evidence has emerged to support those allegations.
Following Seemungal’s resignation, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticised Guardian Media’s editorial practices in a scathing social media statement, alleging unethical conduct and accusing the organisation of selectively targeting individuals, businesses and institutions.
Guardian Media responded on June 18 to criticism from the Prime Minister and Seemungal with a front-page statement rejecting accusations it had compromised its journalistic standards or editorial independence. The company stressed its journalism is conducted without political influence or bias.
Seemungal has not publicly provided evidence supporting the broader concerns raised in his resignation statement beyond those he personally outlined. Staff described his departure as “still a sensitive issue” in the organisation, with differing views among employees.
