BVI elected reps have good media presence — Governor

Governor Daniel Pruce has stated that since his arrival in the BVI, he has noticed that BVI elected representatives use various media platforms to make themselves available to journalists and the regular public.

BVI elected representatives have generally become more accepting of traditional and social media outlets over the years but some sections of the community and the media fraternity still complain that there needs to be significant improvement in this area.

At a press conference to observe World Press Freedom Day last week, Governor Pruce said he has noticed that public figures frequent media platforms in the BVI.

“What has struck me in my first few months here is the regular cycle of opportunities there are for representatives in all walks of public life to make themselves available to the media, whether that is through press conferences, social media channels or by other means,” Governor Pruce stated.

However, when one journalist asked Governor Pruce whether he believes elected representatives are open to questions journalists pose at press conferences, the leader said he prefers not to comment on how others handle their press conferences.

“I wouldn’t presume to pass judgment on how other people conduct their press conferences,” Governor Pruce stated.

The BVI media landscape has grown tremendously, with a number of online news outlets, social media pages and talk shows that frequently monitor local politics and current affairs. Most elected representatives and public figures choose what platforms they prefer to engage with but there are a few who only choose to only interact with the public in House of Assembly sittings and at formal press conferences.