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Can We Have A Fact Check Please?

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Nation'e Executive Editor in the circle
Nation's Executive Editor Roxanne Gibbs in the circle

BU cannot stress enough the importance of a ‘working media’. It was George McCarthy we think who said “freedom of the Press is guaranteed only to those who own one.” A Press that allows itself to be manipulated by sponsors and to be compromised by incompetent personnel is a Press which lacks ownership. Our local Press owes its public to be fact based in its news delivery.

On a daily basis we read and listen to the evidence of a lazy media that seems unwillingly to utilize the energy required to utilize a fact based approach. Unlike the interactive nature of the blogs  where false hoods can be responded to quickly, in the traditional media we are not so lucky.

Here is an example of a falsehood reported by the Nation Newspaper:

Opposition Leader Mia Mottley made the charge on Sunday night at Parkinson Memorial Secondary School, Pinelands, telling the St Michael South East constituency meeting that the chief executive officers of major sectoral agencies had either been fired or had resigned within the last few months. She added that there was currently no CEO at the Barbados Tourism Authority, Invest Barbados or Barbados Investment and Development Corporation – and this represented three main productive sectors.

Full Article

A quick telephone call could have been made to judge the veracity of the statement delivered by the Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley, (as reported in the above article) who obviously would have been emboldened by a partisan audience. Our information is, Stuart Layne remains very much CEO and President of the Barbados Tourism Authority, and he is not scheduled to leave until 31 October 2008, after which he will take two weeks holiday before transitioning to his new post at the Barbados Tourism Investment Incorporation. We would have thought an experienced journalist like Ricky Jordan would have checked the Mia Mottley statement before printing the story.

Our PEOPLE deserve better from our media houses. We hope Amanda who scours the blogs in her new role at the Nation takes note.

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26 responses to “Can We Have A Fact Check Please?”

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

    Imagine, Mr. Wayne Capaldi, President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Asociation (BHTA) being reported on the front page of the Saturday Sun, October 11, 2008, as having said that despite the financial crisis gripping the United States, and Britian, to a lesser extent, the upcoming winter season (re Barbados’ tourist season) is still looking relatively strong? Relatively strong, Mr. Capaldi? That strong? Also, Mr. Capadli was further reported in the story as having stated that with the global financial climate they did NOT anticipate any increase in arrivals but did NOT expect a decrease either. What ignorance?Could any person decipher such arrant foolishness? Could anyone imagine such a lack of common sense by Capaldi?

    Even the suggestion that there will be no improvement over which ever season/year/ he had in his mind, seems to suggest that Mr. Capaldi should really be thinking about less than strong growth for the local tourism next season. However, while we assume that BHTA’s head had meant short and long stay visitors in a context whereby he was NOT hearing of any MAJOR fall off in bookings at this time – he should have been acutely aware still of the fact that, according to the Governor of the Central Bank in her first half review of the Barbados economy in 2008, tourism DECLINED by 0.5 % in that half over the first half in 2007, in circumstances whereby the USA and the UK have been and will continue in the medium term to reel from the effects of financial and economic crises, the effects of higher costs of travelling in those and other countries, effects which are bound to adversely affect the so-called Barbados economy, generally, and the tourism sector, particularly. Even the said Governor is anticipating a moderate – rather than a strong – performance by Tourism in the next couple of months.

    Also, it must be clear that because various costs of various goods and services are rapidly rising in the USA, UK, and elsewhere, and because they are rising out of proportion to their citizens incomes, there is the stark reality that those US and UK tourists who will come to Barbados next tourist season will also noticeably reduce their expenditures over last season. This therefore means too that the upcoming season will still NOT be relatively strong. So, while it is fairly certain to predict that tourism expenditure will be lower in Barbados next season, it is far more certain to use likely lower tourism expenditure as a basis for arguing that tourist arrivals WILL IN FACT BE DOWN, MORE THAN THE USE OF BOOKINGS WOULD SUGGEST. So, what a big joker is he!!

    Finally, also, in wanting the readers of the Nation Newspaper to believe such a stupid argument – that this upcoming winter season is looking relatively strong – Mr. Capaldi’s wish may be for readers to experience another instance whereby another member of the psuedo-elite is feeding the broad masses and middleclasses pure misinformation and lies, by his trotting out the wild fallacy that whereas the Caribbean’s bookings are generally down, Barbados’ are more favourable. So, if the rest of the Caribbean is generally down, why is Barbados – a lesser important destination than those of the Bahamas and Jamaica that are predicted to shrink – NOT to envisage further falls in the next tourism season, mainly as a result of the global financial and economic crises, higher air traveling costs, etc.? Is Barbados so different when it comes to these particular tourism trends, Mr. Capaldi?

    PDC

  2. David Avatar
    David

    This evening we were subjected to Stetson Babb explaining the drop in share price in the US market. He seemed not to understand that there is the credit squeeze between banks which has brought lending to a halt. This condition has triggered a slowdown in the economy which has caused holders of stock to dump because of the bleak outlook to the economy.

  3. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    am am am Ste’ Ste’ Sted s’ s’ son am am B’ B’ Babb am, n’ n’ ni’ nice g’ g’ guy am am b’ but (mumble umble umble) b’ broad ca’ casters am, sh’ should b’ be f’ f’ f’ flu am fluent (mumble umble umble) at the very least…. am yea am you’re on.

  4. The scout Avatar
    The scout

    There is no investigative journalism done in Barbados by any of the media companies, neither print or electronic. A story is given to a station especially Starcom and they run on air with it, especially if it is sensational news. The Nation too is guilty of this. There are many people who were compensated for wrong information going out detrimental to them. There are many cases in this country that would have done with a journalist taking time to research the information before releasing or follow up after release. It seem easier to get world news than local because the reporter/journalist can go on the internet and download the information.

  5. David Avatar
    David

    If you look at the international media it is not uncommon to see the journalist featured on discussion programs e.g. the current financial crisis. Who among the journalist would you feature in similar programs in Barbados and they would command listening?

    Who?

    The profession needs to be lifted and they can only do it for themselves. The callin programs have become an opportunity for 15-20 people to callin on a daily basis. The predictable is often the case when controversial topics feature CUT CUT. The programs are now being used to make the reputations of a few people e.g.Peter Wickham, Marshall et al.

  6. Inkwell Avatar
    Inkwell

    The answer, David, is “no one” and it will remain “no one” until the media houses in Barbados recognize the importance of news analysis as opposed to news gathering and hire qualified people. Of course they would have to be paid appropriately and that’s the crux of the problem.

    The media here have not yet got the message..”If you pay peanuts, you will only attract monkeys.”

    Unfortunately, at current levels of remuneration,what we have are not only reporter monkeys, but also management monkeys.

  7. CENTIPEDE Avatar
    CENTIPEDE

    It’s what you call “life in de tropics.”

  8. Dan Avatar
    Dan

    >>It was George McCarthy we think who said “freedom of the Press is guaranteed only to those who own one.” <<

    FYI, it was A.J. Liebling.

  9. heaven Avatar
    heaven

    I wonder how many of Barbados Underground’s regular contributors would be willing to expose to themselves on the radio and in the public eye everyday.As Barbadians we like to criticize every one and every thing especially those in the public eye.How many of us would willingly take a job which exposes us to the insults of so many Bajans?

    Inkwell I agree with you about the p-oor level of pay , not only for journalists ,but for many other positions.In most companies staff are just going through the motions because of not only the level of pay but because of the way they are treated by supervisors and management.

  10. David Avatar
    David

    @heaven

    Let us all agree that the media is a critical cog in the process to guarding freedom of speech among other things. We cannot tolerate a media in Barbados which is manipulated by politicians, sponsors and the greed of a few. The problem is whenever criticism is leveled we tend to get defensive.

    We are watching closely the concentration of ownership in the media i.e One Media out of TT. Are they interested in building a working media in Barbados or safeguarding dividend pay-outs? One would tend to think that the two objectives are on the same plane.

    Thanks for the correction on the quote!

  11. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    I a’a’agree. B’b but t’ t’ these am conflicts o’ o’ occur ‘ in j’ j’ just a’ a’ about e’ e’ every’here. D ‘ don’t m’ make it am, d’ don’t m’make it r’ r’ ri’ (shitt mumble) right d’d’d though f’f ‘ for professionals t’ t’ give in.

  12. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    The predictable is often the case when controversial topics feature CUT CUT. The programs are now being used to make the reputations of a few people e.g.Peter Wickham, Marshall et al.
    ……………………………………………………….
    David, you said it all. The risk factor for print or electronic media are slim. These companies hate to offend, advertisers, directors, and the weakness towards a political party. Remember Clico cancelled advertising with the Nation? Remember Furniture Ltd stop advertising with the Nation due to a controversy. These are are economic losses due to these risk factors.

  13. ROK Avatar
    ROK

    David,

    Do you think that the media should put on the public agenda the things that are important to Barbadians?

    Guyana registered a single-handed victory on the EPAs. Our Governments are signing today but not “signing away” because of the persistence of Bharrat Jagdeo. Something to celebrate… have a fact check.

  14. Adrian Hinds Avatar
    Adrian Hinds

    heaven // October 15, 2008 at 9:05 am

    I wonder how many of Barbados Underground’s regular contributors would be willing to expose to themselves on the radio and in the public eye everyday.As Barbadians we like to criticize every one and every thing especially those in the public eye.How many of us would willingly take a job which exposes us to the insults of so many Bajans?

    Inkwell I agree with you about the p-oor level of pay , not only for journalists ,but for many other positions.In most companies staff are just going through the motions because of not only the level of pay but because of the way they are treated by supervisors and management.
    ==========================
    I have done so. I called the programme three times. Once with David Ellis, and Lionel Craig. Another with Johnson when he cut me, and the third was a Sunday program with David Ellis, Ikeal Tafari and others. I have had several email exchanges as far back as 1999 with David Thompson, Elombe Mottley, Peter Wickham, Fracis Depeiza and others on a list board exchanging ideas on a whold host of things. I have in recent (2 years) times had email exchanges with Peter Wickham, David Ellis, David Johnson, Sir Ronald Sanders etc.. Quite frankly i will talk to anyone about any topic that is of concern to me and the region.

    Is this question is being ask by someone that has never been in a rumshop back in 70’s and 80’s. One would have never known that the fear of libel/defamation court action was so entrenched in Barbados while in rumshop back then.

    Inkwell how much does David Ellis, David Johnson and other media personnel of their stature make? I think that the stagnation has more to do with the success that libel threats have had in Barbados. Did you not hear Owen Arthur during the last budget during his so called declaration of assets, imploring other parliamentarians to setup an account to handle the settlements from the media? Did you not hear how much of a settlement Barney Lynch got just because he was asked a question?

  15. David Avatar
    David

    @ROK

    Couldn’t agree with you more ROK. Just think if the others had shown some resolve what may have been achieved.

    Let us see if the media throws some analysis at this development.

  16. J Avatar
    J

    Dear BU:

    I would hardly say that the Nation reported a falsehood.

    It looks like I’ll have to send you back to 3rd form (again)

    If the Nation reported that Opposition Leader Mia Mottley made the charge… it does NOT mean that the Nation agrees (or disagrees) with Ms. Mottley.

    It is reported speech (remember that arcane thingy from 3rd form?)

    Anybody who went to school past standard 6 can tell the difference between Mia Mottley said… and whatever is objective truth.

    When Mia speaks she is speaking BLP politics and we know that.

    When the Pope speaks he is speaking Catholic theology and we know that.

    It is up to a wise reader to hear all sides and then to discern the truth.

    Believe me we readers do NOT believe everything that Mia or David, or BU or the Nation or the Pope says.

    Sometimes we do not believe anything that any of them say.

    We are not half as foolish as we appear to be (nor half as foolish as BU or politicians believe us to be)

    Ain’t Mia in opposition right now?

    Who you t’ink put she dey!!!!!!!!

  17. David Avatar
    David

    @J

    We stand by our blog of yesterday. Your comment is a good example as to why the media of Barbados can report news without thinking they have an obligation to commit to truth in reporting.

    Ricky Jordan is a senior reporter at the Nation newspaper and could have exercised editorial license to clarify the ‘reported’ speech by leader of the opposition. The transfer of Stuart Layne to BTII was well documented by the same newspaper and the clarification by BU is public information. Whether Mottley is viewed as partisan is not the point. The point is that media house where the truth is known should reflect that truth in their reporting by exercising editorial license.

    However our bigger point is the need for the media to move to another level.

  18. Adrian Loveridge Avatar
    Adrian Loveridge

    There are two issues here.

    First. Ms. Mottley either did not bother to verify the facts and therefore you would have to question EVERY other thing she says.

    OR

    Second. She did know the facts but deliberately set out to mislead the public.

    And finally, any journalist worth his/her salt would check the writers statement or even read their own newspaper.

  19. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    Let me state that when we finally acept that VOB and the NATION and ONE MEDIA are the Public relations arm of the disgraced blp party we will be better able to understand the obvious lot and obvious control by the blp towards these media houses.

    You will notice that the article written by Clyde Griffith in the Nation has been pulled and it no longer will be appearing in the Nation, the reason given by Clyde Griffith for this is that he was approached by mottley and instructed by it to write more vicious and attacking articles as he wrote, in fairness to him he told her that it was pointless in doing so as the dlp is being seen as the saviour and is doing good work for the country and for its people why then be critical when there was nothing to be critical of.

    His refusal was followed up with a meeting between mottley, bovell and sir Fred Gollop at which time it was decided to withdraw the Clyde Griffith articles for someone that was prepared to carry out the request of mottley, bovell and gollop.

    When you review a matter such as this then it becomes that much clearer the desperate methods that mottley will employ to bring confusion to our fair island.

    I have said before she is not to be trusted with money, woman, chick or child as she will corrupt them all.

  20. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    Let me state that when we finally acept that VOB and the NATION and ONE MEDIA are the Public relations arm of the disgraced blp party we will be better able to understand the obvious lot and obvious control by the blp towards these media houses.
    …………………………………………………..
    Let me enlightened you my brother. The Advocate was the PR for the BLP prior to January 14, 2008 @ 11.59.59.p.m. The next day, the same Advocate became the PR for the ruling party. This is why the two blogs called them Lapdog. Now what is your real submission sir? The behaviour is synonymous with Mr.Lashley. Ah Lie!!!!!

  21. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    We have to know Who said those words, to whom and what occasion? The answer is the great WIV talking to himself in a mirror. Ha Ha Ha

  22. Wishing In Vain Avatar
    Wishing In Vain

    I speak of what I know my friend, not hear say, not third hand but from the horse’s mouth so to speak.

    I cannot tell you about the Advocate but I certainly can tell you about mottley,bovell and gollop combining to dismiss Clyde Griffith because he would not tow the line as mottley wanted him to do and write untruths and slime.

    Not a myth but as real as it comes, you and your party are a disgusting dishonest bunch in total disarray and upheavel and seeking to do any and everything to get in the limelight.

    May you rest long in the wilderness that you are so deserving of and that you earned.

    ps When you choose a real leader only then an you plan for the future, until then you are only biting at the heels of leadership.

    The DLP knows who its leader is can you tell me who the blp leadership is?

    I can tell you that it certainly is not mottley as no one the electorate nor the remaining MP’s respect her or have regard for her, just ask Hammy Lashley about his trials and his disgust with her.

  23. Chris Halsall Avatar
    Chris Halsall

    It has been said that Nero fiddled while Rome burned…

    The heuristics suggest that he more likely played the lyre…

  24. Ian Bourne Avatar
    Ian Bourne

    Ad for vacancy of CEO at BTA in dead-tree edition of the Nation today

  25. GT Lover Avatar
    GT Lover

    Stupid DLP dog at Barbados Undergrouds.

    Speaking of animals and dead things… Ian Bourne, how is your CAT, fat boy?

  26. GT Lover Avatar
    GT Lover

    Stupid DLP dog at Barbados Underground.

    Speaking of animals and dead things… Ian Bourne, how is your CAT, fat boy?

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