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Prime Minister David Thompson Censored On Voice Of Barbados Radio During Press Conference

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Prime Minister David Thompson
Prime Minister David Thompson

The Prime Minister of Barbados David Thompson today honoured his commitment to meet with the Barbados Media on a quarterly basis. We applaud his effort to communicate to the PEOPLE of Barbados via the media. We note that the previous government would have committed to a similar promise and it did not materialize. We also note Mr. Prime Minister that there was an attempt to meet with the Press after Cabinet meetings; this has died a quick death. To be honest this and some other election promises were overly ambitious and have been correctly shelved.

It was not our wish to blog on the final weekend of the Crop Over 2008, but after we listened with disgust to the Prime Minister of Barbados being censored on national radio, we were forced to comment. Today’s Press Conference would have been an excellent opportunity for Voice of Barbados (VOB) to make a stance in the name of the PEOPLE. Instead Barbadians were insulted by the action of the production staff at VOB censoring the Prime Minister of Barbados.

If Prime Minister David Thompson for whatever reason suffered a slip which in the OPINION of the producer was slanderous, BU would have thought that Prime Minister David Thompson could have been expected to use his office to retrieve any situation. We will continue to update this blog if any useful information comes to light. Members of the BU family is free to share their views as always.

Related Link

Prime Minister David Thompson To Tell Barbadians Like It Is Tonight @7.30PM!

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61 responses to “Prime Minister David Thompson Censored On Voice Of Barbados Radio During Press Conference”

  1. Tony Hall Avatar
    Tony Hall

    The PM should not expect anything positive from VOB especially with the likes of Michael Browne around, a BLP yardfowl. He should have done this from Ilaro Court or a CBC studios.

  2. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    I too am deeply disturbed and disappointed.
    I sense a trend from very early on that I did not like either.

  3. Just Waiting Avatar
    Just Waiting

    How did this end up on Brass Tacks? Why would the Prime Minister use the studios of VOB rather than CBC? This is not a joint broadcast but a VOB produced programme carried on CBC.
    If the PM is trying to give the impression that there will be no more political interfercene at CBC or usage of the corporation by politicians to spread political propaganda, then I say it has not worked.
    On the other hand, I think the news programming staff at CBC are asleep. If only Admiral could do everything.

  4. Just Waiting Avatar
    Just Waiting

    Since the first one, which was on television , I have detected a certain amount of hostility from David Ellis when he is questioning the Prime Minister.

  5. Tony Hall Avatar
    Tony Hall

    David Ellis now coming out of his hole. He was frighten as ass for Owen Arthur. Don’t underestimate David Thompson. There is a method in his madness. If Starcom Network ever had a hope of getting a television license it is gone. A television license will be issued but to one of the other applicants. Starcom has blown its chance.

  6. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    I think that this press conference is being held at the Prime Minister’s official residence.

  7. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Vob advertised this as their Sunday Brasstacks programme.

    Thanks Tony Hall for informing us about mike brown political leanings.He definitely behaves as a BLP pimp.

    Based on something a caller (the guy who talks fast) said it seems as though mike browne is screening the calls.

    So don’t expect any questions about immigration.

    Mike brown one day coming soon will get his comeuppance.

    I hope VOB never get a T.V. license in Barbados.

    With regards to David Ellis – he has no shame.

    He has now found his voice after years of insults and scorn by owen administration and his team.

  8. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    I am hear waiting to see if anyone will be prepared to address the actions of mottley and VECO as she was the receiver the grand sum of $ 150,000.00 in a contribution from the builders of the Oil Storage Facility and the Prison at Dodds towards her annual Crop Over event.

    This is a sad day when taxpayers monies can be redirected towards the account of the opposition member mottley.

    When we spend money as taxpayers we do not expect it to end up in the bank accounts of politicians as was done in this case.

  9. JC Avatar
    JC

    I am at a lost as to what is going on as I dont listwn to VOB I got the impression that the PM was INSULTED!

    Can someone correct me if I am wrong!

  10. Straight talk Avatar
    Straight talk

    WIV:

    With your obvious inside connections, surely you are the one to address the actions of your personal monster.

    And while you are sticking your substantial oar in, check out why the criminal prosecutions much touted on the hustings are not coming.

    BTW we are all waiting for the promised ITA legislation.

    People and glass houses are beginning to surface.

    Get your party to make good on its promises before berating a defeated entity.

    You now have the power, but as yet no action.

  11. Benman Avatar
    Benman

    At least two time Ellis went to the callers or other journalists while the PM was finishing-up. A clear breach of protocol.

  12. Negro man Avatar
    Negro man

    If this was Guyana and Bharat Jagdeo was treated that way VOB radio licence would have been suspended.Remember Sharma television licence is suspended and the reporter fella Moseley was banned from the President’s Palace because the president did not like what happened in both cases.
    VOB licence should be suspended and Mike Brown should be dismiss immediately.It is embarrassing that our prime minister should be treated with such discourtesy.It should never occur.That is our leader even if we support him or not.He is the leader of our country.That should never allow to happen to our leader and VOB should paid dearly for it.Prime Minister David Thompson the office of prime minister was insulted by that idiot Mike Brown and it should not go unpunished Negroman will be making an assessment of your character and ability to lead with your handling of this situation.
    Our PM has experienced what many of the callers have experienced at VOB in the recent times at the hands of Mike Brown.
    Will this situation be allow to continue unanswered?
    I hope the people of Barbados understand what is happening in Barbados and if our leader could be treated with that level of disrespect we can understand what is in store for the masses of black Barbadians in a future Barbados with the Indians in control.
    WAKE UP MY PEOPLE

  13. anotherview Avatar
    anotherview

    How can you blame a part time employee in Mike Browne? Whose direction is he following? Now there is where the problem resides.

  14. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Typical Barbadians!! After all the ranting I’ve still no idea what it is the PM is supposed to have said or was on the point of saying which caused his words to be censored!! Is it possible that somebody could have the acumen to inform us, if it’s not too, much trouble!!

    In any event, that’s a first, in my experience! Was he about to slander somebody!! Anyhow, the fact that it happened in Bim, does n’t surprise me, any more!!

  15. David Avatar
    David

    Could the legals in the BU family i.e. Juris, Justice, BWWR et all comment on the protocols which may direct the censorship of the Prime Minister while on national radio. From a layman perspective it does come over as emasculating the office of Prime Minister but what else should the ignorant PEOPLE be considering?

  16. Straight talk Avatar
    Straight talk

    David:

    If you did but know, the path to control is divide and rule.

    You, sir, are promoting that division, perhaps unwittingly, but nevertheless it will pervade and ruin a stable and thoughtful Bajan society.

    Adhere strictly to your call for legal immigration only, and strong action against all illegals….. and those who encourage their entry.

  17. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    I am not quite sure what is being reported here about the censorship of the Prime Minister while on national radio.

    It sounds to me like disrespect, and that some one is mimicking the despicable Bill O’Reilly on Fox TV.

    The PM’s office should be respected even if you dont like the man.

    There are cewrtain things due to the man’s office.

    Our country and its mores seem to be going to pot!

  18. The People's Democratic Congress Avatar
    The People’s Democratic Congress

    So, to honest and fair-minded people in Barbados it must be really disgusting to observe how the two old and decrepit DLP and the BLP organizations in Barbados – out of the four parties in existence in the country – are the ONLY ones getting the vast amount of access to the traditional media in this country, to express and promulgate their parties’ positions, policies etc., on various parochial, national, regional and international issues and matters, whereas the two relatively new parties continue to get very comparatively little media coverage and exposure in this fair land. For sure, this kind of behaviour by the traditional media is totally unacceptable to all of members of the PDC, and does NOTHING to promote equity and fairness among all the parties in Barbados. It is so very wrong to deny us an opportunity – equal access to the media – that is being extended to the DLP and BLP in this country. This ignoble situation is so very horrendous, to say the least, and the sooner rather than later the traditional media move to correct this blatant inequality by giving us greater access to them, the better it would be for the body politic of Barbados!!!

    Furthermore, in any serious analysis and reassessment of this entire political media event held earlier today, one must be careful to look at the nature and structure of the media communication enterprise ( in this case the program), and the content of the program in the political scheme of things in Barbados, to get a real picture and understanding of some of the political activity in the country and the philosophy running through it. Thus, in those regards, once we had finished our analysis of the nature, structure and content of this joint media exercise – apparently motivated by VOB and CBC – the PDC was ONLY left to conclude that it was NOT so much what Mr. Thompson told or did NOT tell the people of Barbados, primarily because he said LITTLE OR NOTHING OF SUBSTANCE, BUT MORESO it has been the MISLEADING ROLE – as expressed via today’s program – that the media and the talking heads representing the media continue to play in the suppression and oppression of the masses and middle classes of our people of Barbados, and what role it is that these same media continue to play as one group out of the many, many political forces existing in Barbados and that is continuing to ever so often contend with others for greater or lesser political power, wealth, assets and other things in the country. As seen today, these groups are, however, NOT always in contention, but many times are in harmony with one another in regard of the achievement of some social political objectives!!

    By deliberately shutting out the PDC – and we believe the PEP also, from participating in many other previous political media events that we could have participated in, the message is being wrongly foolishly sent by the traditional media that there are just two political parties in Barbados. Hearing Mr. Thompson himself say “the opposition” ( meaning the BLP ) at least one time on this political media show, without really saying which of the opposition parties he means, does give, in fact, the false and ridiculous impression that there is just one opposition party in Barbados. So, furthermore, some people at VOB esp. dont believe that many more people want to hear more about, et al, the fact that a future PDC Government shall Abolish Taxation, shall Abolish Interest Rates, shall make sure that Constituents debate and pass the laws of this country and that, under a future PDC led Government, NO Foreigners shall be able to own our lands – instead, they will be able to lease the lands. Well, so many thousands upon thousands of people in Barbados and beyond wish to know more about these things that PDC is offering, apparently more interested about these things than about many of the things that the DLP and DLP talk about!!

    So, there it is that the traditional media and those two older wretched parties have been long continuing to cooperate with each other in helping to greatly oppress and suppress the masses and middle classes of people of Barbados, on the basis that their own ideology is the keep the masses and middle classes poor and dependent, so that the elite, the state and they will be able to generally thrive. Both the DLP and BLP are more against the progress and development of the broad masses and middle classes than against each other!! Never be fooled about that fact!!

    Another point to be raised about today’s media effort is that: whereas Mr. David Ellis must be given due credit by the PDC for raising the issue of I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney death in the presence of police in St. Lucy several weeks ago with the Prime Minister, and while Mr. Thompson correctly sympathized and emphatized with the late IAkobi Tacuma Maloney’s mother and family over the circumstances in which he died and the great potential that was lost with his death, Mr. Thompson, a criminal lawyer also, nevertheless failed MASSIVELY in his duty TO INFORM THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTRY ON HIS VIEWS AND THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEWS ABOUT THE LIKELY SOCIAL, FIDICIARY FALL OUT FROM THE POLICE BEING POSSIBLY IMPLICATED IN THE YOUNG MAN DEATH, AND ESP. GIVEN THAT THERE HAVE OVER THE YEARS BEEN COUNTLESS ALLEGATIONS OF POLICE MISCONDUCT AGAINST MANY CITIZENS IN BARBADOS. AS WELL, ALL THE JOURNALISTS THERE ( Mr. David Ellis, Mr. Cox, Mr Brome, Ms Donna Sealy ) MASSIVELY FAILED TO PRESS THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE LOCAL AND INTERNATION MEDIA ( INTERNET) REPORTS ON SUCH A SERIOUS TRADEGY AND ON THE NEED FOR AN OUTSIDE TEAM OF IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATORS TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH OF THAT YOUNG BRIGHT MAN.

    So much for these different elite- inspired middle class led political organizations, like the DLP and BLP, One Caribbean Media, and more, and their ever working to help keep the broad masses and middle clases as ignorant as possible on many fronts, and therefore in the chronicness of relative perpertual subjugation, passivity and blight that they want them to remain in. But, in that regard they shall surely fail!!

    PDC

    PDC

  19. Juris Avatar
    Juris

    David, the PM like any other citizen may make a defamatory statement which could get VOB in legal trouble as the publisher. If so, the producer would have to cut him to save VOB having to pay out money. Having said that, in the context where the PM was cut, I would not think he was about to defame anyone. Most strange!

  20. David Avatar
    David

    @PDC

    The PM indicated that the Attorney General is looking into the matter and will take what necessary measures are called for based on the outcome of the investigation. Why would you want the PM to speculate on a matter which is undergoing due process?

    On another note if VOB does the repeat tonight members of the BU family may want to listen. We have observed in the past that blimps in the afternoon disappear in the repeat program.

  21. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Another view

    Mike browne has gone past just following orders,he seems to making up his own.

    The power of the control button has gone to his head and he revels in it.

    I don’t think slander is the only or main consideration for him – it is all about power.

    He clearly is not the brightest of person and seems to be taking himself too seriously.
    It is all about him.

    Whenever you listen to that programme he is cutting off and censoring the moderator,the callers,and now the prime minister.

    Strange but at no time during the BLP’s reign have I heard him cut off owen arthur,any BLP minister,any blp functionary.

    A caller recently asked the moderator if he can talk about crop over since the fireworks show was off for a while – he – mike browne – told the moderator who was peter wickham no – however Peter Wickham insisted that he wanted to hear what the caller had to say – and told the caller:”speak quickly before the producer cut you off”.

    Is that his role?

    In another instance the moderator stetson babb had to plead with mike browne the producer to not turn down the volume of the caller because he wanted to dialogue with the caller.

    Mike browne obviously didnot like what the caller was saying although it was not slanderous.

    MEGLOMANIAC.

    I really am losing interest in that station completely.

  22. Avatar
    Anonymous

    I heard the programme. The PM was talking about the 3S company and the situation with the ABC highway. He was cut off for less than 10 seconds. The producer has to protect the station from possible legal action. I may not think that what was being said was problematic but neither am I legally trained nor responsible for settling any debts incurred by VOB!

    I think bloggers should focus on the issues addressed by the PM.

  23. Avatar
    Anonymous

    And neither is mike browne trained in law or even journalism.

    He it appears was just an unemployed person who was looking for a job.

    It is time he recognises his limitations.

  24. Tony Hall Avatar
    Tony Hall

    I understand that VOB has to protect its license but if the station does not reign in Mike Browne something is going to give. Barbados is a small society and word will soon get around. Sponsors will become concern with complaints and will sooner or later start reducing or withdrawing sponsorship to various VOB programming.

  25. Cheesecutter Avatar
    Cheesecutter

    “PDC -no taxations,etc,etc,…..”. No wonder the media dont give you a listen in.A lot of mumbo jumbo. stupse….and next time write shorter entries,so that someone may possibly consider reading your stuff.
    Not that i did read yours. just saw something about no taxation and foreigners.

  26. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Anonymous // August 3, 2008 at 7:13 pm

    I heard the programme. The PM was talking about the 3S company and the situation with the ABC highway. He was cut off for less than 10 seconds. The producer has to protect the station from possible legal action. I may not think that what was being said was problematic but neither am I legally trained nor responsible for settling any debts incurred by VOB!

    *********************

    Thank you ‘Anonymous’, and finally, an answer, several posts later!! Wunna people r something else!!!!

  27. The scout Avatar
    The scout

    Irrepective of who is on air, the law is the law and the station has to protect itself. The issues discussed were it important factors, not a few seconds cut. We’re getting like the USA in their campaign, catching at unimportant issues.

  28. David Avatar
    David

    @The Scout

    You are missing the big point here. The VOB has been found guilty in the court of public opinion here on BU of being high handed with their call-in program. As far as we know Mike Browne is not a lawyer. What makes him so imminently qualified to be cutting discussions on the national airwaves. It is too important a job for one man to wield without challenge.

    We can tell you that Mike Browne has one directive from Vic Fernandes, cut any point by a caller which may result in paying out money. It matters not whether the radio station should stand on principles or not. It is one reason we were so proud of the Dominican newspaper that stood up to Prime Minister Skerritt of Dominica a while back.

  29. Staunch DLP supporter - but let's be fair Avatar
    Staunch DLP supporter – but let’s be fair

    I read the comments posted here and was very angry with VOB and David Ellis in particular. I hadn’t listened to the program yet.
    However, after listening to it (I tape the program on a daily basis) I am at a loss as to how fellow bloggers could condemn VOB, Mike Browne or David Ellis

    Mr Ellis was VERY respectful t the PM.

    If the PM was cut, let’s be honest and fair – we know that there are layers out there just waiting is the slips for radio stations to slip.

    The company has to protect itself.

    Lets not let partisan politics cloud our judgement.

    A PERPETUAL DLP SUPPORTER

  30. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Well said David.

    However the sad thing is now mike browne seems to have even exceeded those instructions by Vic Fernandes – where he – mike browne – decides what topic the caller should speak on,and he seems to even want to tell the moderators how they should respond to callers’ queries – as from time to time you can hear his voice shouting to the moderators in the background.

    I recall one occasion where ralph jemmott was hosting and mike browne cut a caller off who was discussing the guyanese issue – and ralph jemmott could be heard grumbling in the background saying:”steupes – I would have really liked to hear what the caller had to say”

    Mike browne is also known to cut callers off because he said they call before on an earlier programme and then 2 callers down he lets someone in (who he obviously prefers) who would have also called before on an earlier programme.

    It is hilarious sometimes.

    He sets his own rules and he breaks his own rules.

    Nowadays when certain moderators like stetson babb and matthew farley are on – the distinct sound of ‘Sucking’ could be heard as these moderators -‘suck up ‘ to mike browne – for what reason I can’t even imagine.

    A conversation is then carried on with the caller,mike browne – the producer,and the moderator – as from time to time farley or babb would constantly call on to the producer for assurance or for his opinion.

    And these are the people who want to be leaders and the shapers of opinion in our society.

    This matter would not be so important if we were not talking about the right of barbadians to express themselves freely and responsibly and the excercise of power and the climate of fear that operates in this small society that renders citizens and even so – called journalists powerless when confronted with ‘Big Brother’.

    Eventually if the right survey is done or maybe it has already been done – we will realise that VOB has lost a lot of market share/listenership.

    CBC radio stations have gradually taken over.

    Who can believe it?

  31. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Does cbc have a call in programme? I know they use to have gutterperk many years ago. Is it still on? at what times? I haven’t listen to VOB for some time now and have absolutely no plans to restart. This might be a good time for CBC radio to start looking into Christmas call home programme for Bajans in diaspora.

  32. Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-still 2 much FAT on the road Avatar
    Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-still 2 much FAT on the road

    cbc call in show is on everyday at 9 am on 94.7 fm

    mondays and tuesday—–general -(tuesdays followed by debates from parliament—lower house
    wednesdays———-sports guttaperk
    thursdays——–csme matters -(i think)
    fridays——–looking back with mark

    wait a minute ? who i am i—cbc’s advertising manager or what

  33. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    If Starcom Network ever had a hope of getting a television license it is gone. A television license will be issued but to one of the other applicants.
    …………………………………………………………………
    Tony, the language espoused by you gives the feeling that you are partied to the decision of awarding the license. Be careful with statements….your language sounds solid.

  34. The scout Avatar
    The scout

    David, Anon
    Yes, I agree with both of you but if mike browne does it to us, i see no reason why he should allow the P.M or anyone else to do it. What we should campaign for is a total boycott of the VOB call-in programme. It is the callers who make the programme and allow them to make lots of money with ads.

  35. Negro man Avatar
    Negro man

    I am happy that fellow bloggers are recognising that VOB is a stupid station and should be boycotted.As I mentioned previously I boycotted VOB after that character Peter Wickham allowed that other character Norman Faria to insult Barbadians earlier this year.Boycott VOB we the people of Barbados made VOB and we could destroy VOB.
    I can honestly say Negroman has convinced quite a few people to boycott VOB and I will encourage all right thinking Barbadians to boycott the stupid station.
    We have an alternative in CBC

  36. me Avatar
    me

    lOL …I find it hilarious how on the one hand most of you cry freedom of expression particularly with regards to blogs . Blogs have the right to exist and publish as they see fit… no problem therr. BUT VOB does not hvae the right to protect their own interests… This station has been sued and lost and rightfully so on several occassions. Think unlike you guys they have to decide what goes out to the public so I dont see where all the calls for boycott are coming from.

  37. David Avatar
    David

    @me

    Can you identify the cases where VOB got sued in recent years? Most of their cases have been settled on the basis of a letter written by a lawyer and the management taking the decision to settle out of court because somebody in Starcom felt that paying the 40 or 50 thousand was affordable.

    Again we challenge you to list the cases which VOB challenged in our court! The passive approach to this matter is one of the prime reasons our freedom of speech is under threat. Remember VOB according to THEIR systems survey commands the majority of market share.

    Vic Fernandes position we know understands the concept of risk reward. The call-in is his cash cow so why not use controversy to push up ratings and just by chance many of these politicians who threaten to go to court may fall by the wayside. More importantly the court of public opinion will have them to judge. Remember the judge in the USA who sued a laundry for some ridiculous amount? Well he is looking for work .

  38. JC Avatar
    JC

    I dont listen AT ALL that is why I was so lost to the prime minister being censored!

  39. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier-still 2 much FAT on the road // August 4, 2008 at 4:07 pm

    cbc call in show is on everyday at 9 am on 94.7 fm

    mondays and tuesday—–general -(tuesdays followed by debates from parliament—lower house
    wednesdays———-sports guttaperk
    thursdays——–csme matters -(i think)
    fridays——–looking back with mark

    wait a minute ? who i am i—cbc’s advertising manager or what
    =================================

    Thanks Asiba.

  40. Avatar
    Anonymous

    The only case VOB persued in court was the pluck it case sung by Red Plastic Bag – the song about Mrs Ram.

    Their director Henry Forde was also their lawyer.

    You see that has been their problem when Vob was privately owned by the nation group,henry forde,david simmons and fred gollop were their major shareholders.

    At the same time henry forde was also their lawyer and people like hal gollop – so the BLP lawyers always seemed to advise VOB to settle with the BLP politicians – never to take them to court and expose them – no,that would not fit the BLP agenda.

    From redifusion,to the early days of VOB – under gary dreusbury as general manager and frank pardo and others – that was a real radio station – now as’ just waiting’ said earlier VOB is now just an advertising house.

    Vic Fernandes is not a journalist,he is simply someone who looks for a job which sets up a good package for himself and then he tries to ensure that the media makes enough money to pay his financial package and satisfy the shareholders.

    To hell with the tenets of journalism or broadcasting,to hell with the workers – it is all about Vic.

    Barbados is on a collusion course because the people are no longer so docile and the younger generation are more educated and aware what’s happening in the outside world.

    Sooner or later people’s expectations will collide with the status quo – and then there will be nough people holding dey belly and bawling.

  41. Tony Hall Avatar
    Tony Hall

    Tell Me Why,

    “Tony, the language espoused by you gives the feeling that you are partied to the decision of awarding the license. Be careful with statements….your language sounds solid.”

    I am not partied to any decision but based on the way VOB has been conducting part of its operations as a station it has left itself open to public criticism. The Broadcasting Authority because of the option it has of interviewing at least five applicants does not have to worry about being ridiculed if a TV license is awarded to another entity. Remember the other applicants have had to have follow certain criteria laid out in order to reach the stage of “APPLICANT.”

  42. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    Can you identify the cases where VOB got sued in recent years? Most of their cases have been settled on the basis of a letter written by a lawyer and the management taking the decision to settle out of court because somebody in Starcom felt that paying the 40 or 50 thousand was affordable.
    ……………………………………………………………….
    David, A media company do not have to wait for the court to dictate guilt on the grounds of any libel action. It might be cheaper to settle such a case out of court. You asked how many times VOB got sued? Just because cases were not publicized do not mean that no one sued them.

    We have to be more fair in the awarding of any broadcast license, we must remove the political stigma and allow a company to operate. I am against any media openly showing partisan support to a particular party, but we must all bear in mind that personnel employed at the media do have a democratic right to aligned themself with a party, but, but, but….that person should be professional in not displaying political partisanship whilst on the air oand showing political bias that would marginalised the station.

    It is stupid for bloggers to expect that any public official have the legal right to allow a station to be libelled and the station allow it to happen. The media do not operate in an anonymous vaccumn like blogs, so please stop the finger pointing and realise that everything can’t happen hey!

  43. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    You are missing the big point here. The VOB has been found guilty in the court of public opinion here on BU of being high handed with their call-in program. As far as we know Mike Browne is not a lawyer.
    ………………………………………………………………..
    Are you be fair David regarding VOB being high-handed with their call-in programs? I will say that the present administration enjoyed support by the hosts of these shows. Maxine McClean, Peter Wickham, Don Marshall and the eminent Tony Marshall are all known supporters of the government. Am I wrong or are you having difficulty in admitting?

  44. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Tell me Why // August 6, 2008 at 12:07 pm

    You are missing the big point here. The VOB has been found guilty in the court of public opinion here on BU of being high handed with their call-in program. As far as we know Mike Browne is not a lawyer.
    ………………………………………………………………..
    Are you be fair David regarding VOB being high-handed with their call-in programs? I will say that the present administration enjoyed support by the hosts of these shows. Maxine McClean, Peter Wickham, Don Marshall and the eminent Tony Marshall are all known supporters of the government. Am I wrong or are you having difficulty in admitting?
    =================================

    In the context of a PM calling the “Talk programme” the accusations of what is alleged to have occurred to Thompson is without precedent. I can clearly recalled Owen Arthur’s intervention to the Sunday programme with Ellis, and Chris sinkler and Harold Hoyte as guest. Owen called in and hogged the show until it’s end, and this was his enduring modus oprandi with the call in programme. It was around the time of his “negrocrat” comment, and he took the opportunity to ask Harold Hoyte if he was a negrocrat. The BU family isn’t confuse or in the least forgetful that the most prolific “litigation initiators of the political class are the Bees, and this post Jan 16th VOB strategy is to contain their exposure to libel threats from this group. David Thompson is on record as saying that people can say whatever about him, he will not be serving writs etc as Owen, and the BLP has defined as a Best demonstrated practice. There is no fear of Thompson as they were of Owen, and it is possilbe that Mike Brown may be taking advantage of this. I promise that when i am finish with Randy Persuad i will be looking into this Mike Brown character.

  45. Redds Avatar
    Redds

    Are you be fair David regarding VOB being high-handed with their call-in programs? I will say that the present administration enjoyed support by the hosts of these shows. Maxine McClean, Peter Wickham, Don Marshall and the eminent Tony Marshall are all known supporters of the government. Am I wrong or are you having difficulty in admitting?

    all who have been rewarded handsomely lol

  46. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    “litigation initiators of the political class are the Bees, and this post Jan 16th VOB strategy is to contain their exposure to libel threats from this group.
    ………………………………………………………………..
    Why would you blame a sharp shooter litigator. If VOB erred or allow someone to get the station libelled, it’s up to them. But you must also bear in mind that a libel can be the truth, it is how the statement affects the plaintiff. A man might be a homosexual and someone from the media might broadcast or write it. The home can sue stating that the label of being a homo caused his company to loose two major contracts and he’s suing for loss earnings due to the pain he is suffering from the cancellation by his business associates.

  47. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    The home can sue…It should have been “homo”

  48. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    Not blaming anyone for their actions, just setting out the truths as they exist and from which we can opinion-ate and view those of others. Your scenario no longer applies. Since the update to our “defamation laws” the element of truth plays a big role in determining injury or not. If the plaintiff in your scenario is indeed a “homo” and such can be proven to the satisfaction of the court, he has no case.

  49. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    If the plaintiff in your scenario is indeed a “homo” and such can be proven to the satisfaction of the court, he has no case.
    ………………………………………………………………..
    Remember, the homo will not be challenging his homosexuality since he and others knows of his behaviour, however, he will shift to the position of loss earnings. That is a strong enough justification to challenge regarding the element of truth.

  50. David Avatar
    David

    We are saying that VOB especially has the opportunity with Prime Minister Thompson to shape the landscape of radio. Barbadians would love to see the person who would sue the radio station because of something the PM said. It is a risk as VOB we would take and the people would because them on it. VOB and other media have surrendered and cower in situations when courage is required.

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