Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Statement of response on Minister’s attack on Virgin Islands News Online

Virgin Islands News Online has been the industry's leader for high standards, fair, objective, balanced reporting and accurate breaking news. The public was saddened by the attack on the news site by Government Minister Mark Vanterpool
 Hon. Mark Vanterpool (left) erroneously and falsely accused this online news site in a statement before the HOA of attributing a quote to him about the Ag. Director of PWD . No where in the VINO article can the Minister substantiate his claim.
Hon. Mark Vanterpool (left) erroneously and falsely accused this online news site in a statement before the HOA of attributing a quote to him about the Ag. Director of PWD . No where in the VINO article can the Minister substantiate his claim.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI-It was most unfortunate and regrettable that a legislator whom the people have elected to the second House of Assembly, Honourable Mark Vanterpool, has engaged in an aged old tactic of attacking the media- this time Virgin Islands News Online.

While members of the House of Assembly have a privilege because no legal actions can be brought against them for what they say while in the House of Assembly, whether it is libelous, malicious or false, the people expect that they will not abuse that honoured privilege.

Mr. Vanterpool referred to an article posted on Virgin Islands News Online dated December 16, 2011 entitled: ‘Will Dr. Drexel Glasgow be removed from Public Works?'

Firstly, Virgin Islands News Online unequivocally stands by its sources and the article in question. If Hon. Vanterpool had read the article in its entirety, he would have not been led to make such an erroneous and misguided statement in the House of Assembly on December 19, 2011 against this news site.

We submit that the Minister may have had all good intentions in the protection of public officers, however, we strongly feel he was ill advised. Nowhere in the article about the Acting Public Works Director did Virgin Islands News Online state that Mr. Vanterpool or his Acting Permanent Secretary were interviewed.

In fact the article clearly stated that, “both the Minister for Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool and Acting PS Arlene Smith-Thompson were not available up to press time for comments”. Therefore, we find it sad that Mr. Vanterpool would suggest to the public that Virgin Islands News Online was attributing a quote to him or the Acting Permanent Secretary.

It was clear in the story that the source of the information was neither the Minister nor the Acting Permanent Secretary, where it was stated in the article that, “Sources inside the NDP Administration told this news site ..."

Virgin Islands News Online's Board of Directors believe this was either maliciousness by the Minister or an unfortunate situation of misinformation by his advisors.

In addition to this issue, the article indicated four other facts that were either attributed to its confidential sources or otherwise verifiable. Firstly, it was alleged by sources that the Minister was not impressed with Dr. Glasgow’s performance and was actively seeking a replacement. To this statement, the Minister responded:

“As Minister, Madame Speaker, I must state that I do hold Dr. Glasgow’s professional skills in very high regard. It is also my intention, Madame Speaker, to continue to recognize Dr. Glasgow’s talent and technical insight in significant ways as we work to collectively strengthen the Ministry and its departments and carry out the National Democratic Party’s manifesto promises to the people of the Virgin Islands in particular with reference to infrastructural developments.”

Such a carefully worded statement did not address the issue as to whether or not the Minister was impressed with Dr. Glasgow’s performance and was not actively having discussions about a possible replacement. There could be no misunderstanding that the confidential sources provided information which has not been disproved by the Minister’s statement.

Secondly, there were many options under discussion for Dr. Glasgow. Nowhere in the article was it suggested what the final outcome of the discussions will be, since it was clear that matters were only at the discussion stage. What we found so interesting and supportive of our own article was a statement in the House of Assembly on the same day by Premier Orlando Smith.

Dr. Smith said in his statement that, “In the very few instances where his Administration has found it necessary to ask that Public Officers be reassigned, it has been after discussion with the officer and I am pleased to say that in all instances the officer has stood to benefit from the change.”

This could have inferred that as stated in the article, discussions have taken place.

Thirdly, reference was made to the 2009 and 2010 Standing Finance Committee deliberations which is a matter of public record. The Minister for Communications and Works did not attempt to address those very public records in his statement.

Finally, a statement of fact was made about the number of permanent secretaries under whom Dr. Glasgow has worked and the fact that he has not been recommended for permanent appointment to the post of Director of Public Works. This, again is a statement of fact and was not addressed by the Minister for Communications and Works in his statement of Monday December, 19, 2011.

Clearly, we believe the Minister abused his privilege in the House and Virgin Islands News Online cannot challenge the Minister for such blatant abuse of privilege.

While some local media houses are again gloating over another deliberate attack on Virgin Islands News with their own sensational headlines and hash comments/blogs, this state of affairs raises serious concerns for the future of all press in the Virgin Islands, where government officials could abuse the press without consequences.

We believe that if one is attacking the media for partisan purposes as suggested by others, one must strive to be accurate, fair, ethical and not abuse a Parliamentary privilege.

We, humbly and politely but strongly suggest that Mr. Vanterpool return to the article and read it again.

If it was also an attempt by some to get at a Virgin Islands News Online founder, someone who has fully left the company well over a year ago, then the good legislator can be courageous enough to say that, but by trying to tarnish the good reputation of Virgin Islands News Online’s professional reporters who have developed a history of being accurate, creditable and sound in up-holding standards in the industry, then this is a low point for democracy in these Virgin Islands.

Virgin Islands News Online will continue to up-hold all standard of ethics in the news business and continue to protect our sources, as well as respect the rights of all citizens.

We continue to be guided by the rule of law and are keenly aware of the serious responsibilities of a free press in a modern Virgin Islands.

Our record over the life of Virgin Islands News Online has already clearly demonstrated that we have no agenda, we are extremely fair in our reporting and we have no scores to settle.

We continue to thank our more than seven thousand readers per day and many advertisers for their continued support. We also thank the many persons who have called, very much overwhelmingly after the Minister's statement, to register their renewed support and continued business.

Our only objective is to bring the news impartially and factually, and that remains the commitment of Virgin Islands News Online's very professional team of reporters.

Please see link to story in question below

Will Dr. Drexel Glasgow be removed from Public Works?

32 Responses to “Statement of response on Minister’s attack on Virgin Islands News Online ”

  • bam see (20/12/2011, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i heard that drexel was the one who broke the news to his staff himself
    • one mart can't beat st thomas prices never (20/12/2011, 13:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      yea i even ask him and he said it was true
      • Village Girl (21/12/2011, 19:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        for real so why Vanterpool acting like vino break some news???
  • ladies sugar (20/12/2011, 08:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    sock it t uh vino..I know ayo love a good fight!
    • next (20/12/2011, 16:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      see how the NDP like to jump up on VINO..they have showed them hand long time...can't wait till the next elections..
      • the rock (21/12/2011, 06:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        what wll happen...i want to know...the same damn result..BAM...BAM....BAM!...end of storey!
  • billy b (20/12/2011, 09:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP all the way, but Mark you disspointed me. You need to shut yuh b mouth and read the article. Don't be like some of the bloggers who come on here blogging and cant comprehend a simple article. I said in a previous blog, that no where in VINO's article did it state that anyone was interested in getting rid of drexel. I know you have a spine Mark, stop dodging behind lawyers and stand up for what you believe is right. What is a teacher without a class, what is shepard without a sheep, what is a politician without a community,WHAT IS A SUPERVIOR WITHOUT A STAFF. Get the staff's input. Don't rely on drexel, the days of hiding behind God is over. Haven't you seen the many spiritual leaders who are falling from grace by the dozens??? Lift your head out the sand, keep offffff VINO, for if we had leaders as thorough as VINO, PWD and its leadership would not have been an issue.
    • for real!!! (20/12/2011, 10:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      So true, billy b, "integrity" my tail. Mark tink drexel gonna mek him see the real immature drexel. Talent?? Where is it, behind a saxophone???? Technical insight??? Where's the evidence??? School children say, he got to pass botanic station to go home every day. I wonder if he see dem pot holes on his way home. Wa happen, PWD run outta asphalt??? His talent and insight can't ask the roads crew to go patch dem, or he waiting on Mark to instruct him, strruuuups. I drove my vehicle thru there yesterday had to block oncoming traffic to dodge deh big hole there by deh little park after you take the dip in the road. Dah hole there forever, drexel weh yuh technical insight?
  • For the record (20/12/2011, 10:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO how come awyo don't do like Platinum and do your own blogging. A story like this Platinum would have done a thousand blogs for themselves already. Set or crooks
    • jost van dyke massive (22/12/2011, 01:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      tis ting is much to do about nothing Mark Vanterpool better stop before he gets expose....do not back down VINO you are the best and better than all the rest! you are the only one that is fair and honest in your reporting and have no party behind you unlike bvi P, BVI Bea & J T...
  • billy b (20/12/2011, 10:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vino, you don't have to worry about other gloating websites, you are the most reliable, that's why I don't waste my time reading them (quite frankly, I don't know who they all are, and don't care) I only read, VINO. We are behind you 100% VINO, no government official would be able to abuse you. Continue to do the excelent job you're doing.
  • -------------------------------- (20/12/2011, 11:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well saw deeds damm NDP politician they just jealous VINO still have all the links to the information so dem wah to kill ayo..god do not like ugly Mark..keep off the press you will need them in your four years
    • the rock (21/12/2011, 06:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      THE PRESS..I CANT THINK OF ONE THAT VOTED FOR HIM..I JUST CANT!
  • yes we can (20/12/2011, 11:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    but the Drexel thing is stale and old news i heard even some elected NDP members with it...to be specific i hear one At-large and one district rep with it long before VINO broke it. So the action man must have an agenda to attack VINO. I thought they said the election was over and we must all singing comby ya
  • bvi p and j tv (20/12/2011, 12:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It just amasses me how hard they are trying to discredit vino....but its not working bossman! The NDP pulled out all the stops during the election and now they got in they still trying hard. The only thing left is for someone to try and hack the site again and make it an NDP propaganda machine like you know which ones…
    • the rock (21/12/2011, 06:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      WE ALL KNOW VINO BLOGGERS...VIP...NDP BLOGGERS..PLATINUM..IT DOESNT TAKE A ROCKET SCIENCE TO FIGURE THAT OUT..BALL GAME EVEN..I SEE KNOW PROBLEM WITH THAT!
  • Music (20/12/2011, 14:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well VINO, now you know what it is like to be attacked in HOA under privilege. Years before website news I was attacked in HOA by messrs Hodge and Fraser and called the most vile and foul names (far worse than your treatment), just because I had pointed out the truth in a newspaper article. So I wrote about it in the press tackling them head on. They still speak to me!
  • ccc (20/12/2011, 15:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    with so many serious issues going on in the BVI where the hell does Mr. vanterpool get time from to reply to every little article by the press? suckteet..show them you are much bigger than that ACTION MAN..stay focus on the peole's business!
  • two headed snake (20/12/2011, 16:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    See Mark now crying like a child when he did so much character assaination during the recent campaign. he think we forget when he had the letter from the FRC office up and down on he Ipad showing it to people even me at the Moorings....now when things are leaked from his Ministry he acting so childish. See how life remians a circle!!!!!
  • my two cents (20/12/2011, 17:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let me be honest people, I hate reading platnium, as they seem very bias and always pro NDP!!!! they always up and down about "speaking only to Platnium" for God sake come on..... give me a break before I reach hospital. Sometimes when I think the owners and yes we know who they are and the family will be fair in reporting they just prove me wrong everytime yes every single time!!!! I even read their story on Mark statement in the house of Assembly yesterday and it is so clearn on how bias they are that even Ray Charles can see.
    • the rock (21/12/2011, 06:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      NOW JUST READ THIS ONE AND YOU WILL SEE HOW PRO VIP THEY ARE!! EVEN STEVIE WONDER CAN SEE IT..
  • NO MOney (20/12/2011, 19:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO dont study Mark with his hot air. You continue to be vigilant, keep the pressure on them and keep the people inform.
  • Truth (20/12/2011, 21:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can't get rid of bias in the Virgin Islands. I find certain newspapers and news sites are bias not just on politic, but with other stories as well. Things are written in certain ways to get a particular reaction from the reader.
  • Quiet Storm (20/12/2011, 23:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The MCW did not deny that Dr. Glasgow was being considered for reassignment. Is Dr. Glasgow being reassigned? Reliable sources are indicating that discussions are in progress with a someone to take the position---stay tune. The Director of Public Works position is a critical position. And to protect public health and safety, it should be staffed by an engineer. Doctors addressed health issues; lawyers legal issues. Similarly, engineering issues should be staffed by trained, knowledgeable, and experience engineers. In the past, PWD was staffed by engineers, eg, Clarence Christian, Benneth Smith. An engineer on average spends 4-5 years of vigorous training and then several years working under the guidance of seasoned engineers before promoting to lead a either a division or department. This experience is critical to protecting public health and safety. Engineers make decisions that protect the health, safety, and well-being of the public; poor decisions can be e catastrophic. As such it is critical that the PWD be staffed by an experienced engineer; non-engineer personnel should not even be allowed to act in this position for lengthy periods. PWD should be properly organized so that it always will be led by an engineer. If not satisfied with Dr. Glasgow, find another local, experienced engineer to staff the position; and if none is available recruit outside the territory. But eventually it should be staffed by a qualified local; this should the goal for all positions in the territory.
    • Mother Hen (21/12/2011, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All the media houses are bias but it’s clear that the others are just NDP propaganda and because VINO will not follow suit it is causing a problem…Mr. Mark stay focus from trying to fight the media!!!!
  • each one (21/12/2011, 12:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i am very disappointed in Vanterpool.. ever time the NDP open their mouths they put their foot in it...attacking the press is played out....
  • APPLE PIE (21/12/2011, 13:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i must give virgin news some credit for a well written and sound response to Mr. Mark's ranting and raving. The response was very appropriate and based on facts. I have renewed respect for VINO and their reporters. I will always log on and support you all
  • Polo (21/12/2011, 14:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the press must tek dem licks and keep on ticking dem have a work to do!!!!
  • forward ever (21/12/2011, 15:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i just heard that last friday Mr. Glasgow told his staff at PWD that the VINO story is true Mark getting rid of him!!!!..so now Mark has egg on his face
  • OVER AND OUT (22/12/2011, 14:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO RULES AND THEY KNOW IT!
  • Augustina (27/12/2011, 18:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I feel so much happier now I unredstand all this. Thanks!


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.