GOVERNMENT House has announced that the Governor General “does not give interviews”, nor can members of the media interview anyone else inside Government House or on its premises during official functions.
The guidelines were circulated by Bahamas Information Services (BIS) on Friday and are outlined in a document titled ‘Government House Procedures for Members of the Media.’
The guidelines are a sharp turn from previous protocol at Government House. In the past, previous governors general allowed reporters to pre-arrange interviews with them at Government House by request.
Additionally, reporters were never prohibited from interviewing guests at functions at Government House after ceremonies.
“In an attempt to ensure propriety and to preserve the essential decorum which must be observed at the official residence of the representative of Her Majesty the Queen, the head of state, the Office of the Governor General of the Bahamas has issued general guidelines for members of the media,” the statement said.
“The Governor General does not give interviews,” it added. “On national occasions including the anniversary of independence and at Christmas and New Years’ observances, messages to the nation will be issued via Bahamas Information Services.
“Interviews with persons or groups making courtesy calls at Government House will not be permitted inside Government House, or anywhere on the premises,” the statement added. “Naturally, the media is free to make separate arrangements for such interviews elsewhere.
“When state or other social functions are held at Government House, members of the media will not be permitted to conduct interviews with guests or staff members. Photography may be allowed under the direction of the press liaison officer.”
The statement added that during state events, such as the presentation of credentials by foreign diplomats, opportunities for photographs will be managed by a press liaison officer assigned to the media. The statement said the guidelines will take immediate effect. It added that BIS is the agency responsible for all media relations.
Previous Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, a former journalist, gave several interviews to the media while serving as head of state. Other dignitaries have been interviewed at Government House on the sidelines of events, including Prime Minister Perry Christie and senior members of his Cabinet after they were sworn into office.
Dame Marguerite Pindling was appointed Governor General in July, after Sir Arthur demitted office.
She is the widow of Sir Lynden Pindling, the country’s first prime minister.
Comments
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
proudloudandfnm 9 years, 6 months ago
Boy the PLP scared of the press now... Muddos!
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
by TalRussell
John 9 years, 6 months ago
Lest we forget who her husband was aye:
John 9 years, 6 months ago
$200 million gone from Bank of the Bahamas in just two years of PLP rule. No matter how honest and trustworthy Perry Christie and Brave Davis pretend to be, they are responsible for this massive rip off the Bahamian people's money. This is outright theft and this is where assets of the persons who 'tief' the money under the pretense of borrowing should be seized. Also any and all bonuses and perfks paid to Paul McSweeny and his management team should be rescinded forethwith and made to be returned to the bank and the peoples pockets Has anything the PLP done in three years without a cloud of controvesy over it or a shaadow of dishonesty?.
pablojay 9 years, 6 months ago
This recent policy change by Government House is not unexpected for two reasons: 1) this is something she adopted from her late husband,who only granted interviews when the questions were submitted beforehand and the interviewer could not deviate from them and she knows that this cannot work since the airways were opened up :2) she is not as astute and knowledgeable as any of her predecessors and the chances of embarrassment are greatly reduced by her keeping quiet.
Islandgirl 9 years, 6 months ago
I suggest all media boycott Government House and anything having to do with this woman. It is also my hope that the Bahamian people's money does not go toward paying for anything for this woman, not her parties, her dom or anything that we are not privy to. They all forget that they are public servants and serve at our pleasure and not the other way around. Are you happy now Perry? So many of us want to forget the dismal piddling era and you bring it to us again and again. Go see Black Moses. You need a memory refresher.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
Since my comment was removed, I'll agree with yours. I still can't believe they said they wanted to "unite the country"
Emac 9 years, 6 months ago
Why was your comment removed? Can you repeat what you wrote without violating the so called usage thingy? I am dying to know as your comments have never been in my view disrespectful.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago
Well I can't say what I said it'll just be removed again. I referred to creating Frankenstein. May have been disrespectful...
pablojay 9 years, 6 months ago
Perry, you must have already seen that this is another of your boo boos, instead you should have appointed Bernadette as Governor General as she is very educated,a lawyer and CPA and most importantly, she would have had to stay home.
TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago
by TalRussell
asiseeit 9 years, 6 months ago
Pathetic, Lousy, and Petulant!
sansoucireader 9 years, 6 months ago
This might also be one way of limiting the ridiculous statements coming out of the mouths of certain MPs and high-profile people. We know who they are; as soon as they see a microphone, they have something, usually stupid, to say.
Well_mudda_take_sic 9 years, 6 months ago
The Office of the Governor-General has forever been sullied and disgraced by her appointment. She will be sipping high tea many an afternoon with the likes of Craig Flowers.
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