Let The Press In

It is the privilege of The Observer to present unbiased news to our readers. In this sense, the word “unbiased” is rooted in this publication’s independence from allegiance to any government or political party. Hence The Observer’s motto: “The Federation’s politically independent news source.”

The Observer’s commitment is to present news that gives no one an advantage. Our goal is to give as many facts as possible to the public and let the public decide how issues are being handled.

It is an integral part of democracy. If people are not informed about events in an objective manner, their decisions about who to support cannot be made freely.

The rules of objectivity do not apply to editorial or commentary because the purpose of both of those types of articles is to advance or advocate an idea, position or action. In the history of the press, a newspaper that consistently supports a party or government may be labeled a “pro-party” or “pro-government” publication, but that is a far cry from being controlled by either entity. Much to the annoyance of those who hold power or aspire to it, the press has a way of pointing out flaws or shouting out “No more!” to the establishment when situations require such actions.

A free press is accountable to the people and no one else.

Here in the Federation, there are numerous media outlets, both electronic and print. All have their strengths and all have their weaknesses, including The Observer.

Much of the information given out by the federal government and the Nevis Island Administration is done through government-controlled entities.

From Basseterre, information is sent out through the Communications Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister, also known as CUOPM.

From Charlestown, the information is sent out through the Nevis Government Information Service.

These agencies are accountable to their respective governments.

These agencies provide a great deal of information about various events, but in many cases, only after the events have occurred without informing the non-government press those events are taking place.

In short, there are a lot of reporters in the Federation who are not on the invitation list of the federal government or the NIA.

Instead, those who are elected to office choose to filter and control news as much as possible. Their only conceivable goal is to present a picture as rosy as possible to convince the public that they should retain office.

This is not to say opposition parties are particularly more forthcoming about their events. They are not. Most of the time, reporters don’t rate invitations to their events, either.

It is unlikely that the government or opposition will alter the way they conduct business with the press. They pay no penalty, they face no public outcry.

These practices are wrong. The press, in its role as public advocate, should be welcomed at all government functions and activities. Our job is to tell the public, without bias, what is happening in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, not merely repeat what the powers that be say is happening.

They may not change, but we won’t give up.

That is our commitment.