The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I have read much of the commentary by journalists on the Prime Minister’s recent speech to the Press Club. Much of the heated commentary validated much of what Dr Minnis had to say.

Some of the journalists were factually incorrect about what Dr Minnis said. One said that Dr Minnis suggested there should be more coverage of international events. He never said that.

He said that journalists might better report local news with reference to how other countries might be doing something that we are trying to implement in The Bahamas.

The lack of comprehension by some in the press of what they hear or read is sadly all too common in The Bahamas, with journalists often corrected for mistakes in reporting.

Others went wild, claiming that the Prime Minister is trying to suppress a free press. These claims are blatantly false. Dr Minnis did no such thing.

Did some in the press purposefully ignore or did not understand when he emphasised the role of the press in a democracy? Dr. Minnis clearly stated: “The press has an essential role in promoting good governance, transparency and accountability.

“By pressing public officials for accurate and timely information, the press helps citizens to learn about the decisions being made by a government on their behalf.”

He also said, “I especially thank the reporters and editors who work hard to inform and educate viewers and readers. Your role in our democracy is essential.”

On social media Gladstone Thurston noted that Dr Minnis commenting on journalism was akin to Thurston surgically delivering a baby. To start off, Thurston ought to know that obstetricians, not gynecologists deliver babies.

More importantly, is Thurston suggesting that only a journalist can comment on what journalists do? This would make for an unhealthy democracy and society.

Just as journalists can criticise politicians, politicians and everyone else should be able to criticise journalists. And doctors and other professions should also be open to criticism from others.

Former journalist Oswald Brown wrote in a commentary that, “having been involved in the newspaper business as a journalist for more than 50 years, I consider some of his criticism to be quite valid”.

A fair and balanced response by journalists may have included commentary that both criticised the Prime Minister and acknowledged what may be valid in his criticism.

Alas, many who responded to the Prime Minister’s remarks validated his criticism and the views of many Bahamians about the quality and state of journalism in our country.

Sadly, too many members of the press corps do not appear open to self-reflection and constructive criticism, no matter from which quarter it may come, including from a politician.

DIOGENES

Nassau,

November 22, 2017.