Premier Smith bashes local media
Premier Smith joined the usual media critics including Archibald C. Christian, Hon. Marlon A. Penn and Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, all first time legislators, when he bashed the local media in the October 14, 2013 sitting of the House of Assembly.
The premier alleged that the media is “abusing” freedom of expression and is a matter of concern to him. “The way that the press is using or abusing them, the whole question of freedom of expression is a matter of concern for all of us, Madam Speaker,” stated the Premier.
He acknowledged, however, that the media is very important from the social and government points of view. “But they need to understand also, Madam Speaker, that there is more responsibility when it comes to the media and freedom of expression.”
Premier Smith also alluded to the recent instruction given by High Court Judge Vicki Ann Ellis on Monday October 14, 2013. Justice Ellis ordered that no blogging be done on articles about ongoing matters in the High Court.
“I think as a House we need to look at it more closely in order to assist the media in being more responsible when it comes to the question of freedom of expression,” said Dr Smith.
He acknowledged that the Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn had spoken of the issue at the level of the House of Assembly on a number of occasions and, according to Premier Smith, it surfaced as a matter of concern by Member for the Eighth District Honourable Marlon A. Penn.
According to the Premier the issue of freedom of expression is a matter of concern not only in the Virgin Islands but also other countries in the Region.
Background to Premier Smith taking issue with the media
Premier Smith had first taken issue with the media back in September when he had expressed his disappointment about the headlines carried by local online news sites on the recently opened Office in Hong Kong, which is now headed by his wife Mrs Lorna Smith.
BVI Platinum News on September 6, 2013 had headlined their story “Lorna Smith Is Interim Director as Hong Kong Office Opens For Business” while BVI NEWS’ mirrored, “Lorna Smith appointed interim director of new Hong Kong Office.”
The Premier vented his disgust during a telephone interview with ZBVI radio announcer Mr Zan Lewis, sections of which were first aired on ZBVI radio on September 10, 2013.
The Minister of Finance was not pleased that the online news sites chose to play up in their headlines that Mrs Lorna Smith was named the interim-director when the focus should have been on the opening of the Hong Kong office. He said Mrs Smith being the Interim Director was nothing new.
"I want to make mention about the meeting or the opening of the office in Hong Kong. Needless to say I was very disappointed and troubled that on the occasion of the establishment of a very significant activity in the Asia Pacific region to our financial services, the headline on the opening of the office on the online media read, Lorna Smith is interim director of Hong Kong office," Premier Smith had stated.
At the time of this discourse with Mr Lewis, the Premier was responding to questions about the Gibraltar leg of his overseas meeting when he choose to divert to address the issues about the headlines.
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31 Responses to “Premier Smith bashes local media”
I wish reporters dug deeper to do some real investigative reporting to tell the public about back door deals.
The media is important but educated people say educated things.
We behave like a community of opportunists just waiting for a chance to shine even at the expense of the country. Yet, we claim to be civil and learned people. We blame the politicians for everything and do not realize that we should elect people who represent our best interest and not merely who are just like us. We do not need people who will tell us what we want to hear but to give us the harsh reality of our conditions. We abuse, insult and berate each other then blame it on others. We throw gasoline on the fire then turn around and report the very fire we started.
Not only is the world looking at us but they are doing so with a jaundiced eye. What we say about ourselves define who we are and tell others how they should view us. We act like we are God’s gift to the world and everybody needs us and we don’t need anyone. The view of us from the outside is not a pretty one and unless we stop the nonsense we would surely bring about our own demise….or should I say hasten our demise.
Really and truly, this should be examined. We could get the same work for 7 or 9 representatives and save a whole ton of $$$!!
The rocks have more sense. Now Dr. Smith has come up with another way for the government to destroy the country by destroying the media after they destroy the economy!!!!