The NA/UP coalition is at risk of becoming known as media-unfriendly. In this age of openness and transparency, that’s a huge liability.
First the owner of 721 News was barred from press briefings and releases supposedly because he works for government, when he’s stationed at the airport. Then came a heavy-handed policy basically instructing journalists how to ask questions.
To top it off, Minister of Health, Social Development and Labour VSA Omar Ottley not only blocked an editorial staff member of The Daily Herald on WhatsApp but has now publicly stated in a live broadcast that he will not answer any questions she asks, even though certain VSA matters are in her beat.
The minister seems to think it is alright for him to decide who at local media outlets he talks to because the news coverage concerning issues within his political responsibility such as the death of mental patients in detention under controversial circumstances and subsequent lack of clarity about the investigation apparently upset him.
The reporter in question during Wednesday’s exchange even received a verbal warning by the Department of Communication DComm based on that same policy, which –frankly – can be considered a compliment coming from this government. Judging by reactions to video of the incident that went viral on social media, most people agree with the latter.
There have been other stories he and fellow ministers disliked not because they were untrue, but because these put them in a less-than-favourable light. Politicians always want to look good, but if bad things happen on their watch, they need to face the music and stop blaming the messenger.
There are complaints about reporting statements by Dutch authorities and elected representatives regarding St. Maarten seen as one-sided by counterparts in Philipsburg, instead of waiting for the local version or reaction. While the latter is obviously ridiculous, the whole point is for the public to know exactly what is said in The Hague to also get an idea of how they think about the island.
Cabinet members want to be called “honourable” but that is a qualification one should really earn and trying to muzzle journalists is certainly not the way to do so. There will always be “negative press” because that comes with the well-paid job and its perks. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
