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Senator Caswell Franklyn Fired by the Nation Newspaper

The blogmaster regrets to share the news that Senator Caswell Franklyn was dismissed this week (12 June 2018) from the role as a columnist at the Nation Publishing Company. Senator Franklyn has established a reputation as a  social commentator who is never afraid to challenge kith or kin. One would have thought given the paucity…

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The blogmaster regrets to share the news that Senator Caswell Franklyn was dismissed this week (12 June 2018) from the role as a columnist at the Nation Publishing Company. Senator Franklyn has established a reputation as a  social commentator who is never afraid to challenge kith or kin. One would have thought given the paucity of Opposition in the House of Assembly the Nation newspaper would have seen the benefit in giving a platform to one of two Opposition Senators in a configuration where the Lower House is represented 29 to 1 and the Governor General had to exercise a razor thin judgement to appoint the leader of the Opposition.

The blogmaster hates the idea that the Senator was fired because he was critical of the government in his one and only column as an Opposition Senator.

139 responses to “Senator Caswell Franklyn Fired by the Nation Newspaper”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    The blogmaster is urging all civic minded Bajans everywhere to bycot the Nation newspaper.

    @PUDRYR

    Could you make a cartoon 1550×500 with the message ‘Boycott the Nation Newspaper for Dismissing Senator Franklyn or some similar message and email to BU please?

  2. Bernard Codrington Avatar
    Bernard Codrington

    This is a very strange decision. Do members of Parliament no longer have a right to be columnists? I think the public need to know the rules of engagement at this newspaper.

  3. George C. Brathwaite Avatar
    George C. Brathwaite

    @ The blogmaster
    I think it is sad that Caswell has not been allowed to continue writing in the prevailing circumstances despite the letter stated traditional policy as its rationale. However, it is also unfortunate that you would make the unsubstantiated claim that “The blogmaster hates the idea that the Senator was fired because he was critical of the government in his one and only column as an Opposition Senator.” That statement is misleading and does help the many persons who would naturally support regardless of political inclination. That said, I wish Caswell the best, and I wish traditional and non-traditional media to play crucial roles without the distortions. Cheers and best to BU.

  4. Willie Avatar
    Willie

    It would be interesting to see if they would refuse to publish feedback submitted by Caswell through letters to the Editor etc.

  5. David Avatar
    David

    @George

    Traditional rationale what!

    The blogmaster is aware that all it would have taken is for the editors to recommend to the Board that there would have been merit in making Caswell’s column an exception given the political landscape post the recent general election. Why stand on ceremony when there is a bigger issue to address?

  6. Willie Avatar
    Willie

    The next question is, will they replace Caswell and by whom? We can wait.

  7. George C. Brathwaite Avatar
    George C. Brathwaite

    @ David

    I do not disagree with your beef with the Nation, but if you reread the statement that you made which I highlighted, you would realise that it is speculative, and even if accurate, is not substantiated by anything contained in the highlighted letter.

  8. David Avatar
    David

    Of course it is speculative and with good cause too.

  9. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    In a dictatorship the first casualty are those who oppose govt policies.
    David you are being watched stay on course if you want to be safe

  10. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    @ the Honourable Blogmaster

    I am just seeing this entry and request.

    I am getting ready to leave out to go to a place that is *** but I shall speak to the grandson and deliver the items tonight when I get back

  11. Willie Avatar
    Willie

    @ George,

    Are you not also being speculative when you guess at what is not substantiated in the letter? Are you so naive as to expect that the letter would include such justification? Get real!

  12. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Mariposa
    Who is watching? You tell too many lies!! Mia and the BLP will not seek to silence anyone. If that were the case, they would not have sought to have 2 DLP members appointed to the Senate. In addition to his platform via the Senate, Caswell can continue to submit his articles to BU; no one is dependent on the traditional media in this age of social media. Is Clyde still writing his article?
    Eric Smith needs a refresher course in English by the way.🤣🤣

  13. Fractured BLP Avatar
    Fractured BLP

    Well he lasted long !

    From May 25 ,2018 Nation news declared it is ” REDWASH ” !!!

    Since that announcement by the Nation news & Caswell appointment to the Senate – Caswell was often seen in public wearing a blue shirt !

    In direct contradiction to the dictates and satisfaction of the Nation news !!

    Welcome to DICTADOS !!

    BARBADOS 🇧🇧 is no more !!!!

  14. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Mariposa
    Wasn’t Peter Wickham banned from even entering CBC by the last government, and the then Opposition refused coverage or advertising? The lies and gall eh. Go call Maureen.

  15. T.Inniss Avatar
    T.Inniss

    Caswell boy I wish you well.

    Carry on just as you started.When no one can boast of having you in their pocket,then you are your own man.

  16. Fractured BLP Avatar
    Fractured BLP

    David

    It is good to see you have found your VOICE & CONSCIENCE !

    Keep it up and you will get the NOBEL PRIZE for LITERATURE this year !!!

    🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

  17. David Avatar
    David

    @enuff

    We are dealing with a principle here not so? The fourth estate’s mandate is to be a guardian of freedoms in a society. Given the threat to our democracy given the recent result this is not the time to retreat to a traditional practice when the current state calls for precedent setting decisions.

  18. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    This is strange……..did Frances Chandler not have a column when she was a Senator or did she start after the past GG did not re-appoint her to the Senate?

  19. Fractured BLP Avatar
    Fractured BLP

    Mariposa

    You are quite correct !

    We are possibly on the path to DICTATORSHIP !!!

    We have to hope that David (BU) don’t buckle and close down this site !

  20. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Prodigal
    Frances was an Independent Senator.

    David
    Given the paucity of Opposition members in the Parliament, I see no issue with Caswell’s column. I have often argued that if we allowed partisan columns and talk show moderators from all sides, the richer our national debate would be. However, I wouldn’t go as far as to call for a boycott.

  21. David Avatar
    David

    @enuff

    What is the difference between an independent senator appointed by the GG and the other by the Opposition leader as far as the Nation rules of engagement is concerned? Both had the House of Assembly to espoused their views?

  22. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    But looka my crosses though…………the brek up dem who was on BU weekly lambasting the Nation for having Caswell as a columnist is now defending Caswell………….no wonder you all have been relegated to the dustbin of history.

  23. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    T INNIS
    RE Carry on just as you started.When no one can boast of having you in their pocket,then you are your own man.
    PEOPLE DONT LIKE YA WHEN YA IS YOUR OWN MAN, SIR…………JUST LIKE HOW THEY DONT LIKE MY BOY, DONALD

  24. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    RE We are possibly on the path to DICTATORSHIP !!!

    BY BOTH THE BLP………..AND BU! MURDAH

  25. FearPlay Avatar
    FearPlay

    …and then they were the numerous unappointed members of the government propaganda team hosting the call in Programmes. Who wants to start the list? Will we be hearing Mc Clean, Marshall et al soon again?

  26. JUST ASKING Avatar
    JUST ASKING

    Honourable Senator Caswell Franklyn will be OK . Dont worrry !
    Always lands on his feet. Up and On

  27. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    David
    Independent means you can lambaste government or Opposition. I repeat I see no issue with Caswell continuing. In any event the BLP train is going full steam ahead–transformation. Watch we!

  28. T.Inniss Avatar
    T.Inniss

    GP

    What you think about the meeting with North Korea?

    I am not sure if I am missing something.Its either the Donald strategy of flattery with ‘little rocket man’ will win out or he just ain’t got that man figured out properly.

  29. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    And these news conference give me the heebi shivers. I keep asking myself how it is that no media outlet ask questions.
    Is Barbados seeing the early makings of a dictatorship and there is no opposition to oppose it
    What manner or path have barbados taken
    First govt defaults on loans without transparency to public or giving notice to creditors
    Now barbadians are being fed political rheteoric and told to follow and watch me.

  30. T.Inniss Avatar
    T.Inniss

    I think Trump strategy of being bellicose and acting crazy like david did when he was before King Saul may have brought Nr Korea to the table instead of the decades old – softly,softly approach.

  31. T.Inniss Avatar
    T.Inniss

    Strange indeed Mariposa – these ‘watch me’ comments.

    We at Queens College or we running a government?

  32. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    re T.Inniss June 16, 2018 8:42 PM

    GP What you think about the meeting with North Korea?
    INTERESTING START………….BUT WE MUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT………AND THEN DOWN THE ROAD

    WHAT IS CLEAR TO ME IS THAT DONALD IS MUCH SMARTER THAN ALL THE UNACCOMPLISHED PUNDITS, WHO HAVE ONLY TALKED THE TALK, BUT HAVE NEVER EVER WALKED THE WALK.

    re I think Trump strategy of being bellicose and acting crazy like david did when he was before King Saul may have brought Nr Korea to the table instead of the decades old – softly,softly approach.

    I SEE THAT YOU HAVE READ THE OT, AND CAN RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH AND DRAW SUITABLE ANAOLGIES THEREFROM. I AGREE WITH YOU

  33. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    Fractured J/A,you back on here spreading misinformation about dictatorship.You are not shame?All your predictions fell back in your face now like a snake you looking for something to hold on to.Mr Franklyn role is with a private firm ,the Nation who can hire and fire as they like,What is Mariposa,and your problem?Your memories are short where CBC a taxpayers station had three Dem Moderatos ,Mr broomes,Mr Lovell and Ms Holder openly pushing the Dems propaganda on Talk Ya talk,i did not hear any thing from you two,CBC promoting ministers every night especially ,Ms Byer-Suckoo,Mr Stephen Lashley and Mr Donville Inniss.Thankfully all that has come to an end,have not heard the political analyst Ms Holder maybe out of shame.Although I do not agree with the position taken on Mr Franklyn it is the right of the Nation,to make their decisions.

  34. Gabriel Avatar
    Gabriel

    Donald Dump,pathologocal liar,mysogynist,immoral cotsutter,liar,low lifer,black folk hater,hitlerite,yearns for Kim Jung type adulation,liar will likely soon have to face Congress after Manafort and Cohen sing.

  35. Bajan in NY Avatar
    Bajan in NY

    @Enuff June 16, 2018 7:39 PM

    In addition to his platform via the Senate, Caswell can continue to submit his articles to BU; no one is dependent on the traditional media in this age of social media.

    Not only should Caswell continue to submit his column to BU, but Barbados Today should grasp the opportunity to carry it.

  36. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    The Nation newspaper lacks integrity. A burglary occurred at a shop in St. Michael couple years ago. CBC interviewed the woman who asked that her face not be shown. The Nation newspaper had her picture placed/ in the paper the next day.. In removing Senator Franklyn the Nation is telling its readers that they are not an independent paper. when the Media is muzzled any number can play.

  37. David Avatar
    David

    Do not think for one minute your silly and puerile attempt to post nuisance comments about Trump have gone unnoticed. The blogmaster will intervene when necessary.

  38. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    RE Donald Dump,pathologocal liar,mysogynist,immoral cotsutter,liar,low lifer,black folk hater,hitlerite,yearns for Kim Jung type adulation,liar IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE AMERICA, AND DESPITE ALL THE HATE AND OBSTRUCTIONS HE HAS FACED , HE IS FIGHTING A GREAT FIGHT AND HE HAS NOT DONE ANY OF THE THINGS HE WAS EXPECTED TO DO BY THE KNOW IT ALL PUNDITS IN THE MEDIA.

    IN FACT HE HAS DONE MORE AND CONTINUES TO DO MORE IN A SHORT SPECE OF TIME.

    DO YOU THINK THAT COMEY AND MCABE WILL SING TOO?

    WHO ELSE DO YOU THINK WOULD ALSO SING IF THE DOJ AND FBI WOULD PASS OVER ALL THE DOCUMENTS ROSENTTEIN AND WRAY AND SESSIONS ARE HIDING OR REDACTING?

    WATCH FOOLBERT COMING WITH HIS BULL SHIT NOW…….WATCH!

  39. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    These news conferences come across as manipulative which targets people ignorance for not wanting to know the truth.
    In dictatorship govts having no opposing views relies on news reel and socalled news conference to kill truthfulness and gingerly massage the idiocy of the masses in accepting what govt says is the gospel truth
    I shudder to think barbadians have taken that course with eyes wide open

  40. Peggy A. Green Avatar
    Peggy A. Green

    Mr. Franklyn will be missed
    .
    His columns were very informative and topical. I have never read one that I did not agree with or learnt
    something of great value from,
    He writes well – clear, precise and devoid of bias and unchecked personal emotions.
    Maybe it is time for his BOOK to hit the stands.

    Good luck Sir.

  41. David Avatar
    David

    It is a good point you have made. Shouldn’t the quality of content of the columnist be the only criteria used to determine who a newspaper would want to contract?

  42. peterlawrencethompson Avatar
    peterlawrencethompson

    Lisa Cummins had a column in the Nation as well, but it has stopped as she was appointed a government senator.

  43. David Avatar
    David

    Let us get this right, independent Senators are allowed to carry a column, Opposition Senators are not so lucky. Does this make sense?

  44. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    The new buzz phrase…..

    ” “Relax, we got this,”

  45. David Avatar
    David

    David Thompson had ‘don’t panic’.

  46. Gabriel Avatar
    Gabriel

    From the wires trending tonight:
    ‘Trump finally admits that he’d really like to be a dictator’
    ‘Fox host calls for revoking White House Press Credentials after ‘childish temper tantrums’ in briefing room’
    ‘Melanie Trump flew to NY for ‘meetings’,skipping the President’s birthday.
    ‘Donald Trump says he can send 25 million Mexicans to Shinzo Abe and he’d be out of office’.
    ‘Trump tariffs latest:-US Ambassador to Canada receives death threats and white powder’
    ‘Trump adviser Stephen Miller pushed for Border Separation’

    What a unifying force is this man Trump.

  47. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    The Editor of Barbados Today seemingly has a genuine hatred for our PM.

    Every editorial is anti everything MAM says or does. During the cuss fest on the famous launch night of the DLP………the proven liar spouted one of his usual lies about the Nigerian businessman and his ties to Boko Haram.

    Next edition……….right so….madam demands that MAM answers to the accusation as we do not want any Boko Haram connections in Barbados. She believed every word coming from a stinking liar.

    Check her editorial on Friday night. It does seem as if the lawsuits MAM has been slapping BT with is causing her to suffer from Mia Derangement Syndrome.

    The next judgement should cause her more MDS!

  48. David Avatar
    David

    The BT editor has an ‘arrangement’ with the DLP to receive insider info/documents in return for …

  49. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @David June 16, 201810:49 PM “The BT editor has an ‘arrangement’ with the DLP to receive insider info/documents in return for…”

    Never-the-less, the editor ought to verify the information before publishing it.

  50. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    David

    I asked a journalist after the elections what is her beef with MAM. The journalist told me straight out……..the lady hates MAM, plain and simple…….

    So I know now how to process her editorials!

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