Value of information
A vibrant democracy involves the access to and critique of that information.
Sometimes that information can be complex, it may involve the information being simplified to encourage the average reader to digest and follow the trajectory of any information, because it is our right to know what elected or appointed officials are doing with the public purse and in the name of the public.
It is a tenet of journalism which I hold near and dear to my heart and it guides my thought processes when I tackle issues related to this job and ultimately to this country. I have long past the suggestions by some that ‘wait you should be careful when you challenge this Administration’ or ‘they will come after you’.
Those in power must be held to a standard of accountability, which ensures that those whom they serve feel as though their interests are being protected. The words of the late publisher of this newspaper Sir Anthony Bryan will always guide me, when he looked me in the eyes and stated, ‘Once you tell the truth, then all will be fine.’
So that approach to a journalistic zeal was my guiding principle when Sir Anthony asked me to start this column years ago and I have not looked back since.
I have long established that the media has a very important role in this country. The reality of a One Party elected state, with 29 seats controlled by one party, pushes the media into the spotlight even further. The media has its drawbacks and this has been highlighted over and over again.
What stunned me recently was a comment that the perception is that the media is pro-Barbados Labour Party (BLP). I was taken aback by that suggestion, but it raised red flags in my head, that the closeness, perceived or otherwise, that the media is aligned with Govern-ment in any way. I believe that this proximity has implications moving onward and that objectivity suffers. This also includes perceived closeness to heads of sporting and private sector institutions.
The media, I have always argued, should adhere to the notions of National Hero, the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, when he said that we were ‘friends of all, satellites of none’ when it comes to covering any government. The charm offensive, which those in power engage in, has an objective. I will note the recent comments of the new Minister of Information, who stated recently that the media was interested in chasing the ‘sensational stories’.
If sensational means that we, the media, should not investigate the activities and decisions of Government and its related agencies, then we have a problem.
For instance, the most recent travel advisory by the CDC in the United States, related to advising US citizens over travel to this country and we need to hear from Government about the blacklisting of this country, yet again. We need to hear why it has taken place and what steps will be taken to correct the problems which led to the action being taken.
We need to hear about foreign trade and the implications on potential lockdowns on our trading relationships and what potential impacts which global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the economy of this country.
We need to hear about the impacts of this blended approach to learning on our students. How has the system been working?
We need to hear about the tourism prospects, in light of the pending lockdowns. What implications does it have on the upcoming winter season?
In light of the intense rainfall impacting our country in recent days, we need to hear from officials as to why a water-scarce country does not have better catchment facilities? We need to have better ways to utilise the amount of natural water sources on island and in ways to capture that water better.
Investment should not only include laying of pipes or replacing old mains, but we need to have a discussion about water courses being blocked and how our development may have resulted in some of the flooding issues which we now face.
Unless it is a national security issue, then Government should not be withholding information. We need serious discussions.
The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has been at the forefront of the impacts related to the ongoing decline in the economy, with unemployment claims rising and more people depending on claims to survive. It then is important to question the NIS on the level of claims, the rate of claims and the implications for the long-term viability of the NIS.
How can the NIS stay viable if its contributions decline with people losing their work? What is the break down of the applicants for unemployment? What is the age-range? Is any consideration being made to raising the age of retirement, given the recent rise in unemployment? Where is the discussion from the officials?
This is just a tip of the iceberg. The media has to remain resolute in its task to inform and educate, but also to keep Government on its toes. It is not about if you like someone, it is making sure that people are kept on their toes. Introspection should lead many to face the truth.
Be tough but fair.