False reporting a concern! Premier denies issuing $80K media contract
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has expressed concerns about what he describes as negative and false reporting by some members of the local media fraternity on the actions of the new National Unity Government.
Noting these actions are can be damaging, the Premier said it does not help anyone if the media reports untruths about the government as it tries to implement reformation programmes and preserve the territory’s democracy.
“For example, just a few days ago there was a false report by a radio personality that I gave someone an $80,000 contract to advance a GIS Public Television programme. This is not true, and I call on members of the media and public to be responsible at this time when we need calm and to maintain stability,” Dr Wheatley said.
“I am very concerned generally about the reckless dissemination of inaccurate information and the violation of journalistic principles well accepted across democracies across the world. Given that this subject falls under the Premier’s portfolio, I will begin a conversation with the media fraternity about how we can ensure the public is given accurate information and how we protect members of the public from slander, defamation, and libel,” the Premier added.
He noted that at this time in the Virgin Islands’ national life, there is a need for continued unity to get through the challenging period ahead.
The Premier further urged everyone to have a positive outlook on the future and be supportive of each other as a community.
“Let us go forward together as one people with a common purpose. Let us encourage and inspire each other as we strengthen and improve these beautiful Virgin Islands. In this new era of democratic governance, we are going to renew our society and transform it into one that delivers for all. I am confident that we can do this together as a community,” Dr Wheatley said.
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Pass the cookies please!
Every time I read, or hear about this guy being addressed as ‘Premier’ I get this nervous twitch. Just does not sound right! This is really who we have representing us as our elected leader?
Sound nor look right, he’s just a boy trying to do a man’s job. There are capable men and women with integrity, I know many, running their own businesses successfully, not owing the government any money, keeping everything clean, who don’t seem to be interested in getting involved in the dirty mess. We need to seek out these people. They don’t need to put their hands in the cookie jar, they are people of integrity. Let’s seek out these people.
But they the clean hand ones seem to not want to be a part of politics so why you seeking them out. If they had want to be in politics you wouldn’t have to seek them out!
And your comment: “I know many,…” does not line up with having to SEEK them out – you KNOW them …
When you have a secretive one party state government you are going to get people speculating. Open up, tell the truth , stop the secret deals , sop the tender free contracts, provide freedom of information and speculation and guessing might stop.
But you won’t do any of those things. Too many dirty secrets to keep hidden.
I strongly call for Unity. The MEDIA must stop trying to entice divisiveness and mistrust amongst the People.
Dear Sir / Ma’am
I believe it is the politicians themselves that have seeded that divisiveness and mistrust amongst the people, not the media.
The former VIP members were the most divisive ever, The populace is only giving back the fruit of the seed.
Take the slow one away, he can’t lead. He’s just protecting his temporary job as a recycled Premier.
I don’t trust this “Unity” group to do anything but unify around hiding stuff. They all need to go
did they say he gave it to her or former premier?
Even if it was the former premier it was given to her off this one strength because we all know he does ———
It’s all about transparency, Premier Wheatley!
And if you want the people to have continued belief in you, do not do like your former; open up the books, show us the contracts, GOING FORWARD!
THIS, will be the start of something wonderful!!
So the false report is a concern but “Government official number 1” is not a concern.
This donut certainly has his priorities straight.
Where is the badly needed change we were hoping for? Same game, same players. Only thing that changed is the name.
The gravy train keeps moving along using the same old recycled pieces of scrap metal.
I wonder if they think they are fooling us (again).
Most of the media is doing a fine job of reporting. I am impressed by the efforts of the News community. We are still seeing NO attempts made at accountability or transparency by this government but the culture of fear and reprisal is gone. If mistakes are made by the press in their attempts to bring things to light, SO BE IT- they will stand corrected soon enough.
But @SMH, I am seeing REAL UNITY from the people; few among us trust our current government officials, elected or appointed or the bureaucracies that support them.
-Some of us want independence post haste, believing the structures of Colonialism have forced us to this corrupt space.
-Some believe we have a roadmap and that we can and must correct this mess ourselves in order to take our place in the world arena.
-Some await a UK takeover, believing that attempts to reset would be stymied by current political structures and systems.
All have valid points.
But WHATEVER our faction, most of us are unified by our desire to weed out the corruption and cronyism by the roots and create an accountable government and sustainable future with a viable economy for OUR Territory and perhaps one day, Nation.
Vigilance of the press -the work of reporters and pundits without fear of reprisal for honest reporting and honest mistakes- is vital to achieving our unified goal. It is those who are against ‘most of us’ that work hard and cynically to hide their agenda. Yes, the press must be accountable, but they are also working for us (we consume their products) and (mostly) working toward those same goals.
Yes, I miss/wrote. I hoped someone would mention it. The culture of fear and reprisal is on it’s way out and the press is fighting it…I caught that after it was posted. No editing functions here. Thanks.
So he took care of his side ?
Of course! Why else would immigration now be under his portfolio now?
Its so funny to read these comments. Its funny how yall think that years of corruption will be fixed by one man or one move on the chess board and those of you who want to talk about who hand in jar and secrets etc. First off the man aint god and time dont belong to you people. This is for both my islanders and expats. Alot of nonsense just come to light. Can they address it all one time….. no …. can they fix it one time…..no…….
When you tell your spouse about something they do thats bothers you depending on what it is it takes time to fix so get off the people dem &@££$……. wether or not it have more corrupt ones. Give the none corrupt ones a chance to fix it. Yall want change in a day like if yall looking for miracle but some of yall do nothing but type for the hype. Give the d@₩# people a chance to chiw us different. Is this what bvi love is. We get hurt before so we fraid ti trust everyone……. news flash life is made of taking chances. Those who afraid to take chances are the ones who are afraid to live. I aint saying he perfect but ima give my premier the fair chance he deserves..