Journalist blasts Premier for his handling of media
A local journalist recently blasted Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley over his administration’s handling of the media during a recent press conference.
Veteran ZBVI radio journalist Zan Lewis openly criticised what he described as efforts to control how and when journalists ask questions, arguing that the media was being “handicapped” by being instructed to prioritise queries tied only to statements the government members make at the briefing.
Lewis said reporters should be free to ask questions based on priority and public interest, not be directed on what to ask first. He also noted that he had already raised the matter with government communications officials.
Responding to the criticism, government Public Relations Officer Kareem Nelson-Hull maintained that the structure was necessary, saying some members of the media wished to explore the topics presented and that the order would be respected for the benefit of the public relying on that information.
Premier Wheatley did not address the journalist’s concerns at all. All over the world, the media are widely regarded as a voice of the public, and elected leaders are often criticised when they appear to restrict press freedom or limit questioning.
The exchange comes amid longstanding concerns within the local media corps about elected leaders being selective in the traditional outlets they engage, with many believing officials favour platforms that do not press them on critical national issues. There has also been a growing trend of leaders opting for sit-down interviews with local podcasters instead of facing direct questioning from certain journalists and media outlets based in the BVI.
Despite this pushback, elected leaders on both sides of the House of Assembly continue to closely monitor local media, frequently citing news reports and even public commentary to support their arguments.
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The media has become a BIG JOKE trying to grandstand rather than inform. Our media has sunk to the levels of the American tabloid nonsense with clickbait. Imagine in 2026 you still need to buy a physical newspaper in order to get real in depth news and accurate information. Using ChatGPT to sput out controversy is NOT informing the public. Riling up the public with slants does nothing for the BVI. Zan in particular is a pitbull or a petal depending on who he is dealing with so he should be the last to speak!
Sadly, nnot just our media, but our people in politics, in political hygeine and morality.
It is only a Matter of Time. God will soon remove this Dictatorship Behavior from our Beloved Territory. God Will Make BVI Great Again!!!!
Amen to that.
Wigo asusual with your racist lyrics , the people put those ” whatever ” to represent them , so the have a right to know what the heck they are doing in the best interest of them – not some of the times or some things , this isn’t victoria’s secrets , so don’t try to scapegoat ZAN .for trying to get the facts to them , ( its called – TRANSPARENCY ) SO GO AND PLAY WITH YOUR WIG AND ENJOY YOUR HYPOCRISY WITH YOURSELF .
He’s a nar****ist, soc***ath, id**t. His way or no way. With all the politicians connections to the media we don’t hear diddly.
Premier ain’t but a black Joe Biden.