Independent media in democratic countries can choose to facilitate thought and discussion. Or they can stifle it.
They can advance the cause of society, or they can thwart it and be a disservice to those they serve.
The Nation Publishing Company, publisher of this newspaper, has chosen to promote public discussion on all matters of national importance, and has a record of stoutly defending our right to do so, free of political influence.
We strongly believe in independence of the media, and our record shows that as Governments come and Governments go, we remain constant in serving the interests of the wider society. We are careful with the power entrusted to us by the people.
We trust that this is not mistaken as being naive or weak.
Over our 36 years we have sought to champion many a cause, including that of freedom of the Press, particularly in the Caribbean.
It is our humbling responsibility today to draw attention to our own cause by identifying a grave threat made to this newspaper and one of its editors. (Saturday) afternoon, Mr Hartley Henry, senior political adviser to Prime Minister David Thompson, telephoned SUNDAY SUN Editor Carol Martindale, a journalist of over 20 years’ experience, threatening to tarnish her reputation, to “bring her down”, and to “turn Barbados against her”, if she did not publish the results of a public opinion poll conducted on behalf of the governing party, the Democratic Labour Party, in a manner that was pleasing to him.
Parts of his threats were also heard by a second editor, Maria Bradshaw, also of over 20 years’ experience.
Given the tone and content of Mr Henry’s remarks, and coming as they did from a person of considerable influence in the Government, complaints have immediately been registered with international media organisations. This newspaper regards the content and manner of Mr Henry’s phone call as a threat to our right to report matters in a way that we see fit, a fundamental right of the Press. We also regard it as a dangerous imposition on the democratic freedoms we enjoy and as such undermining the social fabric and stability of our nation.
We call on Prime Minister Thompson to repudiate the conduct of Mr Henry, and in so doing assure Barbadians that his administration frowns on this unwelcome departure from traditional values of Press freedom.
Barbadians can be assured that this newspaper will not run away from a fight, because what we are seeking to defend is essential to the preservation of our democracy and the right of 270 000 souls to get up every morning knowing that they are free to enjoy their democratic rights.
We will not be intimidated or stopped.
