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VINO apologises for posting image of shooting victim

The entire newsroom and management apologise for any hurt that may have been caused with the posting of an image of shooting victim Melbourne Francis and has been in direct communication with the family of the deceased. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- An image posted in a story on Virgin Islands News Online on May 9, 2013 on the unfortunate shooting to death of Mr Melbourne Francis has caused some concerns to many in our community, members of his family and many of our readers.
There was no intention on our part to cause any pain or hurt to his family at such a most difficult time.
 
The entire newsroom and management apologise for any hurt that may have been caused and have been in direct communication with the family of the deceased.

68 Responses to “VINO apologises for posting image of shooting victim”

  • Fan (10/05/2013, 14:52) Like (41) Dislike (228) Reply
    vino you are just the best...god will bless you
    • cat walk (10/05/2013, 17:59) Like (14) Dislike (343) Reply
      The orginal picture VINO had up lastnight I saw no issue with it...good job as always...
      • agreed (10/05/2013, 19:37) Like (32) Dislike (62) Reply
        I agree with u cat walk. The aim of a news agency is to get the news to the public ASAP. That's precisely what VINO did. What's the problem? In fact, many who wasted time and space with negativety were more than likely made aware of what occurred and who was involved by this very agency and article...
        What may b helpful in the alternative is for these very same complainants to come forward with similar vigor in assisting the legal system in solving this crime and contribute to society in a meaningful way.
        • DISAGREE (11/05/2013, 07:14) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
          You too need to learn sense, the media is to update the public we all agree to that, but something of that nature, is for the police and medical personnel to deal with. Not he gerneral public. People need to respect others. You fall into that position today;honestly tell the public how u would feel.
          Respect and do unto others as you would like/love them to do you.
          • agreed (11/05/2013, 16:54) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
            Clearly u agreed with the position taken above. Yes, it is the media's job to "update the public"; "the police and medical personnel" are also dealing ith it well as they should.
            U r however correct in asserting that this incident is not to b handled by the "gneral public," it is in fact the media's obligation to inform - exactly what VINO did.
            How did u becom aware of this matter?? Just curious.
      • faith (11/05/2013, 02:54) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        That is what reporting is about. Maybe the name should have been with held and just post the photo.
      • Cat Run (11/05/2013, 07:07) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
        You need to respesct yourslef and others, what you want fro yourself you must do unto others.

        That is violating the client and family privacy and life. The situation already dreadful, and sad and you talking foolishness. Shut your mouth when have nothing good to say. I advise you to ask forgiveness, your turn might be next. We need to support each other regardless. You have a good day and keep from the media when you dont know what to say.
    • joke (12/05/2013, 16:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Well written VINO
  • alpine (10/05/2013, 14:58) Like (12) Dislike (68) Reply
    Thank you VINO for that was really heart breaking to all especially the family again thank you
  • Honorable (10/05/2013, 15:02) Like (32) Dislike (182) Reply
    Very noble of you VINO. When you can come and say sorry, that is humbling. glad to see you actually care. good going and apology accepted
  • ccc (10/05/2013, 15:07) Like (9) Dislike (181) Reply
    you guys have to do better next time i was horrified at the sight of so much blood
    • shut the hell up (10/05/2013, 16:02) Like (23) Dislike (165) Reply
      All you had to do was close you damn eyes. But you were "Horrified" Bull Crap! Sound so stupid.
  • nothing (10/05/2013, 15:09) Like (39) Dislike (357) Reply
    It takes a creditable news organization to have the balls to say I am sorry. I personally did not see anything wrong with the photo…but it’s just lil me
    • DYME DIVA (10/05/2013, 16:28) Like (6) Dislike (260) Reply
      THANK YOU AT LEAST YOU HAVE SENSE. THATS WHAT REPORTING IS ALL ABOUT THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY KEEP DOING AYO THING VINO AYO THE BEST ONLINE NEWSTATION ON TOLA DONT MIND THE HATERS THEM. AYO THE DEFINITION OF REAL. YOU SEE MI!
  • why apologize (10/05/2013, 15:14) Like (14) Dislike (134) Reply
    Oh Pls. Thank you for posting.. We needed to see that.. It not only woke me up but also I am not in the BVI at the moment... i would like to know what is going on... THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
  • Chris (10/05/2013, 15:14) Like (14) Dislike (354) Reply
    I could understand everyone issue but there was no need to apologise becuase that's your job VINO...You post a photo of an issue...other news would have done the same...if they had got there first. There was also a picture of the dead body of the young man who got electrocuted...so I don't see the harm.. beside the photo was from a distance like it should have been.
  • Chris (10/05/2013, 15:15) Like (18) Dislike (282) Reply
    People in tola act like babies... and that all you people do is baby yourself from the reall world.
  • Concerned (10/05/2013, 15:24) Like (9) Dislike (654) Reply
    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh now the haters and pro government site could go suck an egg with their hate and jealousy. Apologies accepted VINO…you doing a good job
  • ThankYou (10/05/2013, 15:42) Like (6) Dislike (187) Reply
    Happy to see this apology. While I do sincerely believe that the photos did in fact affect some people, most of the comments that I see around are from haters who have other malicious motives. VINO, please use better judgement at all times. We need you to remain a viable news source because it's clear that no other site will bring the news like you do! You're on the rise and the haters will be on the rise too. Don't give them an excuse to launch such attacks. Cheers!
  • ButWait (10/05/2013, 16:07) Like (12) Dislike (42) Reply
    I understand that the child was taken to the scene of the murder and saw her father lying there. The whole family was there, so please get off of VINO's back. I personally don't think that good judgement was used by VINO or the child's mother, but to get to the point of raising an alarm as per the headline on the other site is pure foolishness and clearly validates the point of being jealous, hateful and malicious. VINO, keep on keeping on......................
  • Thanks (10/05/2013, 16:09) Like (6) Dislike (30) Reply
    Thanks Vino and we do accept your apology. I don't think that the intent was to cause any harm.
  • Realist (10/05/2013, 16:12) Like (9) Dislike (33) Reply
    It takes courage to say you were wrong, or made a mistake. Hats off to you VINO.
  • Mick (10/05/2013, 16:18) Like (14) Dislike (30) Reply
    lmao. this person fingers must be tired from posting over and over on this thing. lord have mercy no shame. olol
  • HMMM (10/05/2013, 16:21) Like (6) Dislike (35) Reply
    I glad you post it and I glad I see it! Thank you for posting the photo!
  • Keeping it real (10/05/2013, 16:25) Like (12) Dislike (209) Reply
    Apologies not really necessary. We need to wake up and stop hiding things in the BVI just because it is a Tourist destination. Where some of our visitors live it is much worst than this. We need to stop hiding behind the rock and get real. We do have murders everywhere as small as we are. And everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings.
  • post (10/05/2013, 16:26) Like (4) Dislike (207) Reply
    VINO I respect that you did not take the position of whether you were right or wrong to post the photo (I myself did not see it), but the fact that it upset some readers, especially the decease family, you removed it and apologized.
  • Thanks (10/05/2013, 17:08) Like (3) Dislike (15) Reply
    Didn't see the problem but I am only one person. When the bloodshed and deaths were shown in Boston the entire world expressed their sympathy whats the difference. I guess this was too close to home. My deepest sympathy to the family.
    • zoe (10/05/2013, 17:55) Like (5) Dislike (30) Reply
      I am not surprised at all at Platinum article!!!! too much jealousy of VINO that government site has No standards at all.
  • backwardness (10/05/2013, 17:31) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
    its reality n the youths hv to know badness, crime n drugs dont pay off it could lead to dem liein on the side off the road...i dont know wat d big deal...
    • Turtle Dove (10/05/2013, 18:07) Like (12) Dislike (15) Reply
      Vigin Islands News Online is the only positive news site and that is a fact!!!
  • MEDIA AWARDS GOES TO (10/05/2013, 17:44) Like (16) Dislike (327) Reply
    the number ONE ONLINE NEWS SITE........VINO..THEY GIVE YUH STORIES AS IT HAPPEN.....
  • Far away (10/05/2013, 17:46) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    Thanks for the apology VINO but as some other commentators posted we need to stop hiding stuff. I am not at home right now but you guys keep me well informed. Simple solution to the problem is when you post the information insert a link where people can choose to view the crime scene photos so when they view them it would be a choice they made
  • x factor (10/05/2013, 17:56) Like (2) Dislike (60) Reply
    For god sake vino…no apologies needed we and the business community will always support you!
    • Being real (10/05/2013, 18:49) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
      THEY CANNOT STOP VINO SO THE FASTER THEY GET OVER IT THE BETTER FOR THEIR HEALTH
  • too much fuss (10/05/2013, 18:05) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    People here tooo peti...we see these things in the news everyday...those people belong to somebody to.
  • HUNT THEM DOWN (10/05/2013, 18:16) Like (18) Dislike (49) Reply
    I live in both Barbados and the Bahamas and see these types of photos in the news paper and online all the time.

    BVI people either backwards or playing holy.

    But VINO you always remain on the right side of history, you were the big man to issue an apology…do not get side track by the haters
    • pckb (10/05/2013, 18:44) Like (7) Dislike (114) Reply
      Again kudus to this news site. You are courageous in bringing us the news, in saying if you are wrong and in always keeping the bvi informed. WE LOVE ME SOME VINO
  • M**** (10/05/2013, 18:19) Like (2) Dislike (54) Reply
    Thanks vino we respect you
  • my thoughts (10/05/2013, 18:50) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    The posting of an image of a homicide victim is a normal image posted and printing in most news outlets in this time. You can go to certain states, certain islands in the Caribbean and this is normal for example Guyana, Venezuela, St vincent among others. People here in the BVI need to open up to real news postings. I understand that seeing an image like that is too much for some individuals but that is how the news is; it's not done to insult or make the situation worst for the victims family and friends.
    • Catherina Allan (10/05/2013, 21:01) Like (1) Dislike (13) Reply
      Would you like your picture to be posted like that if you were found dead tommorrow?
  • ..... (10/05/2013, 19:50) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply
    Nothing was wrong with the damn picture. IT WAS REALITY. Some people need to see that reality of what goes on in this place. But hey, if the family wanted it removed I guess it was the right thing to do. They should have been just as vocal about him not being out there if they know people wanted to kill him.
  • The original Realist (10/05/2013, 20:30) Like (7) Dislike (16) Reply
    You best believe that I made a comment on Platinum News supporting VINO. We in the BVI need to face reality. Everything is covered up that why we as a country is not moving forward in a positive light!
    • AC 360 (11/05/2013, 08:26) Like (0) Dislike (49) Reply
      why did you had to issue any apoligy??? just leave the evil wicked ppl boss because ungratefulness is worse than witchcraft.
    • The original Realist (11/05/2013, 12:05) Like (3) Dislike (23) Reply
      Them bastards at Platinum News didn't post my comments on their site. Whatever!
  • LIBRARIAN (10/05/2013, 20:47) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    VINO Given the nonsense that goes on, The public need to see the impact of these crimes so they can get outraged and come forward. They need to stop living in Disney land and get with reality.
  • whatating (10/05/2013, 21:24) Like (0) Dislike (11) Reply
    Keep it real VINO!!!
  • ???? (10/05/2013, 22:12) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    why the bvi like to hide all their dirty laundry?
  • . (10/05/2013, 22:14) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
    That other site and the ndp family will do anything to hurt this site.
  • ? (10/05/2013, 22:14) Like (1) Dislike (32) Reply
    An apology? What for? This is the news. Sad news and my condolence to the family and friends of the victim. Accept it people. It's reality. VINO you need to find out if there was anything illegal as it relates to posting the pictures. If not, then good job. Ya'll go and tell CNN, Fox, etc to pull not only pictures but disturbing videos as well.
  • .. (10/05/2013, 22:15) Like (1) Dislike (15) Reply
    Lets try and capture the real criminals........vino is not the criminal here.
  • Jamdown (10/05/2013, 23:48) Like (5) Dislike (22) Reply
    All of you who saying VINO was right are cold and heartless..Tho..tis many of you in one who posting anyways..
  • BuzzBvi (11/05/2013, 00:00) Like (0) Dislike (15) Reply
    When the B in BVI stands for Blood we have to know that the country is in trouble. So many other words can replace that. I know some do not want British but what about, Best Better, Beautiful, Bountiful, anything but Blood, bleed, bottom, bust, behind, backwards, beyond hope, bypassed, buried!!
  • yellow (11/05/2013, 02:52) Like (4) Dislike (17) Reply
    They took his very young daughter to see the body that waz ok, but because vino posted the same photo it became an issue!!! Some of you just sick with hate!!! For that reason I never going on any other site but vino!! God is good!!!
  • ndp failure (11/05/2013, 04:18) Like (1) Dislike (14) Reply
    While there are no facts and it all remains speculative suppose it turns out what some bloggers are saying about being set up in prison being true? Another failure by the ndp; instead of investing in a better prison system you have a man flying around the world and playing politics with peoples lives. I'm just saying.
  • bull$#!t (11/05/2013, 06:20) Like (3) Dislike (142) Reply

    Vino u guys r doin such an awesome job, no apologies needed, is jus last week I receive a pic of a woman which she has been slaughtered by her bf that slit her throat from one end to the other, in st.vincent... So whatz wrong with that ? These ppl need to wake up , its reality time,,, not daycare an care giver time,,,, good job vino..... Thumbs up.

  • Saic (11/05/2013, 07:19) Like (3) Dislike (13) Reply
    Murderers are on the loose and we're worrying about pics?! Better use of time will be used if we speak up and help the police solve the crime.
  • vi (11/05/2013, 09:16) Like (3) Dislike (15) Reply
    Give VINO a break, what happen to forgiveness. They remove the picture and apologize. Anybody can make a poor judgement call. They publicly apologize.
  • Really (11/05/2013, 14:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vino I am happy that you apologized. I too questioned the ethics of posting that picture. Does that make me a hater? No it does not, it just made me concerned that posting such a picture, would start a chain reaction of things that could really go wrong for this case when it is tried in the courts. The picture in my mind says that all kinds of people were allowed Roget lose enough to the crime scene and possible contaminate it. Yes, these things are reality, but sometimes we have to use our judgement when doing our jobs. Oh by the way just because it's done in other countries it does not make it right.
  • news site (11/05/2013, 16:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm greatful that our Journalism has a core and some sense of empathy towards us the ppl but VINO needs not apologize for doing there JOB.. If the imagie was condsidered too "harsh" well maybe u eed not be using a PC at all b'co now a days on the internet most things are crude.. Their job is to show us facts and the reality of situations and thts exactly what tht image did.. I personally wold not have taken it dwn but simply labeled it accordingly. but then again some a we Tolians so fast we dnt stop to read what we need to read.
  • Non Issue (11/05/2013, 18:50) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    News is news I didn't see no issue with those pics. I think the same energy most of us here criticizing Vino for we should put it towards calling the police with information on most of these crimes happening in the BVI, this same information will be helpful in solving most of these crimes but no we want to direct it to a non issue.


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