Fraser accuses media of trying to embarrass gov’t
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has accused sections of the media of deliberately trying to embarrass the government, warning that such reporting distracts from more serious national priorities.
Speaking during the House of Assembly debate on the 2026 budget, Fraser said some media coverage appeared designed to tear down public officials rather than contribute to constructive dialogue.
Fraser singled out a recent interaction with a local reporter as an example of what he described as misplaced focus.
He told the House that a reporter had questioned him about a beach sign warning against littering without a nearby trash bin, adding that the reporter had to walk about 15 minutes to find one. Fraser said such issues could be addressed through administrative channels and did not warrant public controversy.
“These are matters that can be solved through other channels,” he said. “The media sets out… some people in the media set out to embarrass others. But it’s a waste of time. We can be more productive if we do things a different way,” Fraser stated.
Watch what you say
Fraser then commented on an article that prompted his remarks and concluded that its purpose was not balanced reporting. “What I saw in that article… tells me that the intent of the article was to tear down, target a certain group, a demographic, and tear it down,” he said.
He cautioned members of the House to be mindful of their statements, noting that parliamentary remarks are often quoted publicly. “We have to be careful of what we say in this House, because we are being heard, and in many cases, we’re being quoted,” Fraser said.
The Deputy Premier said the article revisited past political issues involving a former Premier, noting that the resulting narratives caused harm regardless of their accuracy. “They took the time to point out the flaws in our former premier and associated his flaws with members of this House to say that his comeback is underway.”
Fraser denied the allegations, suggesting that lawmakers would likely pursue other avenues if their intent were the return of the former Premier.
Fraser argued that persistent negative coverage contributes to public disrespect toward elected officials and weakens national unity. He urged a more responsible approach, saying the territory faced important work that required focus and cooperation rather than what he described as embarrassment-driven reporting.
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No need for the media to step in; this current administration has already mastered the art of humiliation
I am also embarrassed, not by the media but by the government.
Corrupt officials you may hurt their feelings!
A free press isn’t obliged to focus only on what officials consider important. Small issues often reveal whether basic governance is working. What feels like “embarrassment” to leaders can feel like accountability to the public. Dismissing scrutiny risks implying that only government decides what matters. Revisiting past actions isn’t targeting, it’s context. Democracy needs sunlight, even when the light falls on the small things.
Why these man can’t just run the country instead of looking for things to get offended over? Ayo do a good job and the media will write articles of the good work youall doing. Set of people who only want to get claps but not the boos.
this man lips have to be blue from kissing so much butt these days
Not blue, brown 🙂
Fraser you Mather and Smith have let us all down. Instead of signing over your life to Nat and the VIP you should have all bonded together for a better BVI.I’m Out!
Can the media maybe tell us some more about roundabouts and traffic lights and Harbour projects and brothers.
Where would you expose the social ills of a country and expose the government?
Is this what independence will look like ?
Them there is no need for the various sittings or have a Hoise of Assemble
“ This is not close gour door and lick your child”
This is the work of the people they need to onow
When you screw up they’re call you out. What’s the problem. Getting a little close to home?
We voting for willock