As opposed to just 20 years ago, news media these days is a hotbed of startling stories, bandied about almost simultaneously by the array of modern communication equipment operating in the media business but also readily available to private hands. Looking back at just this week one sees several examples of persons speaking out on controversial issues and pulling no punches in the process.
In many cases, such comments are severely criticized as being inappropriate or hasty, but in many instances the remarks serve to focus attention on pressing issues, turning up the heat, so to speak.
A brief example is a letter to the editor this week, from attorney Leon Rockcliffe who made note of the unsanitary conditions at the main entrance to the courts of the High Court in Georgetown. He noted that “three times each year the pavement, drains and adjacent roadways are scrupulously cleaned for a ceremonial judicial parade”, but that on the other business days of the year, that same area “is allowed to harbor various items of litter generously provided by our citizens”. Mr. Rockcliffe also drew attention to the pavement of the courtyard and “a stream of filthy greenish effluent from some sanitary facility….spreading across the entire pathway. The public at large must undertake this disgusting and hazardous journey by exposure to these shameful conditions.” Mr. Rockcliffe is describing a condition, unknown to us who don’t frequent the High Court, that clearly needs attention; perhaps his letter will serve to propel it.
In the USA this week, in an interview with Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, CNN’s host Anderson Cooper, reacted to Trump’s answer to a question by courageously telling the Republican that in many of his responses he “talks like a five-year-old”. Anderson’s point of the simplistic nature of Trump’s campaign discourse hit home with many who have viewed the political debates, but also drew criticism from those who felt the news anchor was “disrespectful” and should be chided by the network.
In India, a few days after Mr. Rockcliffe’s broadside here, another punch worth throwing was delivered by St. Lucian cricketer Darren Sammy, captain of the West Indies team which had just won the T20 World Cup against England. In a post-match TV interview, Sammy hit out at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) telling presenter Nasser Hussain, who may have known of the captain’s discontent, that while the team had been inspired by the professionalism of the management staff and messages of support from CARICOM, they had heard nothing from WICB officials. Said Sammy: “Prime Minister Keith Mitchell [from Grenada]…I know what he is trying to do, and I really want to thank him. He sent a very inspiring message for the team this morning…and I’m yet to hear from our own cricket board. That is very disappointing.”
Sammy was subsequently supported in the media by current WI player Dwayne Bravo and former players Viv Richards and Ramnaresh Sarwan; Sarwan said the public is unaware of the problems the players have to deal with, and the inattention of the Board. And Bravo told the media that “A lot of people don’t understand the things we go through as players dealing with our board. It is the most unprofessional board in the world to me.” But there was also a flurry of comments, and even a Jamaica Gleaner editorial, slamming the St. Lucian for making his remarks “at the wrong time in the wrong place”. He was accused of “courting controversy”. A few Caribbean nationals calling in to the Sportsmax TV programme, based in Jamaica, also criticized Sammy for his “lack of decorum”, suggesting that he should have kept those comments private instead of “washing his dirty linen” in public.
There is undoubtedly a need for our various public persons to mind their manners, and consider the circumstances, when they elect to speak publicly on controversial issues, but ongoing vexing issues sometimes require strong declarations. In Darren Sammy’s televised shout, for instance, we also have to consider, as Michael Holding has said elsewhere, the level of frustration with our WICB that has wracked our cricket with no end to the trauma being seen. Year after year, across the region, the public laments the decline, but the administration problems continue; imagine, then, the level of frustration among the athletes we expect to shine. It will be providential if the St. Lucian’s emotional outburst is taken as stark current evidence of a frustration felt both by the players on the field as well as followers of cricket across the region. Angry declarations can sometimes be the stimulus for actions leading to constructive results. How long are you expected to keep your complaints in house? How long is one’s mute patience with the vexing situation supposed to remain? As I said in a song on this subject, “it make Greenidge cut up he maroon tie”.
One reality is that these hard-hitting public comments, while generating some dismay, can also serve as a spur, in various scenarios, to propel action on issues that need addressing. Whether it’s Leon Rockcliffe talking about lack of sanitation, or Anderson Cooper pointing out shortcomings in a candidate, or Darren Sammy repeating complaints we have heard before, this kind of outspoken talk is often a case of some necessary punches being thrown. Yes, the occasion may not be ideal, but the condition is one where the issue is clearly not getting the attention it deserves. If someone speaking out makes us uncomfortable, so be it. Important issues sometimes need a spark to ignite the fire of reform.
