Submission Circulated by Editor at Nation Newspaper Amanda Lynch-Foster to Media Personnel (Click Image to read Nation Comment)
NATION PHOTOGRAPHER CHERIE PITT being pushed off the compound of Central Police Station yesterday. Centre is NATION reporter Phillippe Aimey, who was later told not to return to the compound. The two were on duty at the time. Inset Pitt, being ordered off. She was later arrested and charged with resisting arrest. (Photos compliments Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation.)
I’m sure most of us are feeling the same way today – pissed off and frustrated with the disrespect that journalists are getting. This is the third time this has happened in the last year and a half or so and I am not really happy with the responses. The Commissioner keeps saying he will investigate – we have heard that before. Last year, the former AG said we had no right on the hospital premises. Some members of the public even say we deserve it. It feels like there is a creeping disrespect for journalism and it’s coming from all sides.
So what are we going to do about it?
The first thing we should do as a matter of urgency is support our colleagues tomorrow. Cherie and Jimmy are to appear in the District A Criminal Court A in Bridgetown tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. They are supposed to get there from 9 a.m. I was speaking to Cherie a little while ago and she has said that she would really appreciate some support from journalists so I’m calling on everyone who can to make an effort to be there from 9 a.m. If you have an off-day or if your shift does not start til the afternoon or if you are on vacation, can you please just show up at court tomorrow?
I think our presence alone will be comforting to our colleagues and it will show that journalists are not just going to let this go down in silence. It would look terrible if they went through this and none of us cared enough to show up – it would make those who keep harassing us feel that they can continue to get away with it. It will only take a few hours out of our day. Now as to the longer term thing we should do – for a while now I have felt that journalists in Barbados need to have a professional association for ourselves once more. We run our blood to water speaking up on behalf of everyone else but when it comes to speaking up on our own behalf, our voice is disjointed.
Several other professions have organisations to represent their interests and speak up for them – farmers have BAS, engineers have BAPE, teachers have multiple associations, vendors have BARVEN. We have nothing and that is not good enough. What happened yesterday was the last straw in terms of convincing me that we really need an association to speak up on our behalf and to facilitate better understanding of our profession. It could also be useful in facilitating workshops and seminars and in organising an awards system so we don’t just have to depend on PAHO and the Music Awards to get awarded – we should be doing it for ourselves.
I know because we work such funny hours, it is difficult to find time for the kind of extensive meetings and planning that other organisations have, so I have a few suggestions.
- Instead of having weekly or even monthly meetings, we could perhaps have quarterly or bi-monthly meetings – so 4 to 6 meetings a year.
- We should also have a set time and place for those meetings so that it makes it easier for everyone to remember – for example, the first Sunday every two months.
- Have the meetings on a day that is not a big production day – perhaps on Friday nights or Sunday afternoons?
- If we do have just quarterly or bi-monthly meetings then we should use Facebook – a lot. Most of us spend a lot of time on FB anyhow (I does see wunna!) and we can use that to fill the face-to-face communication gap and keep people updated.
- We could also establish a blog or an e-newsletter (or both) for communication purposes.
What I’d like right now is some feedback.
- Do you think we should restart the Barbados Association of Journalists or would you prefer a new organisation? I tend to think the first option would be easier but I will admit I hardly know anything about the workings of the BAJ because that was before I was in the profession.
- What day do you think would be best for meetings?
- What are you willing and able to do for the association? If all you can do is attend meetings, that is perfectly fine. If you have time to be the rep at your own media house and just nag your colleagues to attend meetings that is even better. If you have time to be on an executive committee and do some serious organising that is great. Let me know what you are capable and willing to do so we have an idea of how to proceed.
Based on your feedback, I will try to organise a meeting for after Christmas, near to year end. Let us start 2009 right.
Check out Boyce Voice Blog for more comment on the matter.
“Police Heavy Hand” taken by BU family member at Kadooment 2008
141 responses so far ↓
David // December 21, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Amanda this is what we are talking about, some back bone. The blogs (BU/Barbados Free Press) are the big elephants in the media houses in Barbados we know. The traditional media ignore us but that is fine because more and more people are being driven underground to find us as a result. In the cause you are representing here BU supports you 100% and will be lending our two cents to it. The important question the journalists must ask is what is happening to the Police Complaints Authority or whatever it is called. The Attorney General suggested before that it is now fully functioning but where are the reports and or plan of action. We also agree with you that the Bajan journalists need to respect themselves and get the BAJ moving!
The role of the Fourth Estate is too important and you the journalists are the important cog in the wheel. If your media houses are constricting your performance, pool your resources and start your own damn newspaper. In the coming weeks we will be addressing this issue.
SpareRibz // December 21, 2008 at 4:18 PM
I c no reason why the police face couldn’t be in the media. After all de other fellow face in 2days paper. wha happen de police don wan we 2 know who the crooked cops are?
Technician // December 21, 2008 at 4:29 PM
When those 3 guys were prosecuted for getting a blow job, Their faces were in the papers, on tv for weeks.
Now a crooked cop get caught, they want to protect his identity?
Then why charge him at all?
The Scout // December 21, 2008 at 4:33 PM
There is a role for the media in any country. However, I think the media in Barbados, goes overboard sometimes. i almost got into a fight with a photographer some time ago. One of my God- children was involved in an accident and I was the first relative on the sight. In fact, I was there within a few minutes of the accident. This photographer turns up and stuck this camera into the girl’s face to take a picture of the young lady in great pain. I immediately pushed the camera away and this guy threatened to fight if I touch his camera again. He proceeded to come back into the girl’s face again and again I pushed the camera away and this time I told him Next time I would start the fight not him. He backed off. I think it is insensitive for someone just for the sake of a story would try to expose other persons in a vulnerable situation like that. While I don’t know what happened in this case, I have little or no sympathy for journalists or reporters until they respect other people too. I can give you numerous stories and personnal incedences I have had with the media.
me // December 21, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Im on the Police side in this… the ‘media’ looking to sell papers and get readership for their blogs . Look at the tow sunday papers today… very liitle news , tons of ads, and other nonsense. Of course BU now jumps on this anti police bad wagon ( because it suits them to appear legit).
The fact remains that Freedom of the press does not mean freedom to go any and every where at any and everytime…
The media especially that RAG that is the Nation needs to be more respectful!
Sselym // December 21, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Da Jimmy Gittens had a runin wid de police aready, he should keep out central and de police business, all media officials aint alwys right, you ever see Don Baker, or any of cbc’s proper camera men get in anything so yet?
David // December 21, 2008 at 4:56 PM
@me
Can you search your soul and answer the question: If this guy was not a policeman would the RBPF have been so aggressive towards the Press picture taking?
Did you read what the Commissioner had to say? His comments as quoted in the Press today suggest that there is a barrier between media and police which needs to be fixed.
Finally have you not read BU blogging on the lack of a functioning Police Complaints Authority?
John Stevenson // December 21, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Delighted to see BU’s response on this.
Out of the ashes of this ongoing situation I am anticipating the emergence of an appropriate phoenix in terms of an organisation to TRULY represent Bajan media folk; the erstwhile BAJ failed on many fronts (and I don’t want to distract you with a thread on its various flaws).
NOW is the time for responsible Bajan journalists across the spectrum of online, print and broadcast media to regroup anew.
But its also a great opportnity for conscious citizens – media and non-media personnel alike – to STAND UP and BE COUNTED, put their names beside their remarks, and challenge the status quo.
Upwards and onwards, BU!
The Scout // December 21, 2008 at 5:00 PM
There is soooo much, the media can report on. Even when they go to an interview with either government, it appears as though, they are muzzled and ask some simple questions that everybody knows the answers already. Maybe they feel they wouldn’t get an invitation to some big-up function. If I call now and report some juicey news at a poor boy house, they gone to get a story but if the same news was at a big boy house, they would be reluctant to follow up. The bottom line is the media in Barbados has got to learn to respect people for them to respect the media.
Technician // December 21, 2008 at 5:00 PM
This is funny when you really think of it.
These are the same journalist who refuse to ask the hard questions officials or politicians, who dont do any investigative reporting, who sometimes let off the same corrupt Police, that are now crying out for help and support.
WTF !!!
Where were they when we the public wanted some questions asked?
Now they own ‘buddies’ turn on them they run to where??……..the blogs!!
RLMAO !!
Sselym // December 21, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Where were de media on Wednesday afternoon when the Primary schools had the finals at mall international, such lovely singing from the kids, then to spoil it the judges give the 1st place to Ignatius Byer when they and all in the mall know that Arthur Smith deserved to win. The media – Jimmy Gittens et al should have been there to highlight the competition. Leave the police alone, big up the children some more, too much emphasis on the criminals, crooks, buller, wickers etc.
The Scout // December 21, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Technician
Same thing I just said on BFP. If the media want respect it has to be earned,
David // December 21, 2008 at 5:13 PM
@The Scout
What we have is a young journalist who is doing her best to marshall the Press Corp. Our support for Amanda should not be confused with the lack of leadership by our media houses over the years.
@John
We would love to hear your views on the reasons BAJ failed.
John Stevenson // December 21, 2008 at 5:30 PM
DAVID
Fist off, I am glad you’ve made the distinction between media houses on the one hand and an organisation for journos on the other.
For one thing, my memory of the BAJ is of an organisation that met way too infrequently! Secondly, it gave the impression that it only existed to dole out rewards to favourites during its annual awards.
Thirdly, it offered f***k all in the way of training programmes and opportunities to cub reporters and those starting out in what is a very noble profession.
Is there a generally agreed-upon code of ethics for journalists in Barbados? Are there agreed-upon standards (qualifications?) that are required for becoming a cub newspaper reporter, beside the ones required by the individual media houses?
These are the kinds of questions that the BAJ fails/failed to answer.
Does/Did the BAJ have its own legal team? Do/Did they take a stand over the corporate issues facing the profession (change of ownership of the Nation?)
David // December 21, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Thanks John!
The local journalists have another reason to band together, especially those entities owned by ONE Caribbean Media.
We understand changes are coming…all the way from Port of Spain.
John Stevenson // December 21, 2008 at 5:47 PM
DAVID
If I taught journalism, I’d have my students answer this question in their first-year examinations:
The Barbadian media house is an extension of the plantation. Discuss
Perhaps BU readers might proffer their 0.02 c worth ….
ROK // December 21, 2008 at 5:50 PM
With all due respect to Sselym, me and Technician. Like you, I can easily say, that is what you get for disappointing the public.
John, all I can tell you is, “Mugabe” right here in the Caribbean and I mean a total disrespect for human rights and the principles of democracy.
I am trying to make the connection for you. See, once we tolerate breaches of human rights and the principles of democracy anywhere, we allow them to be breached everywhere.
Dr. Martin Luther King just came to mind. He had said, “Racism anywhere, is racism everywhere”. It is the same principle as saying the law should never be broken.
First, support the campaign to bring an end to the unwarranted violent and unprofessional behaviour of the Police. Support the call for the independent investigation of the death of I’Akobi Maloney. It is significantly related and shows that Policemen everywhere will not hesitate to use violence and assault people. They man-handle you.
It must be a law that the Police should not assault an innocent member of the public. From the time that policeman laid hand on the journalist, unless she was being charged for some offense, that Policeman should be charged for assault. He simply had no right.
Now here it is that she was assaulted and now being charged for resisting arrest? What was she being arrested for? If she resisted arrest, how did she get in custody? Did she make an attempt to run away, I thought she was trying to get in? If you grabbed my hand and I resist with the intend of you releasing my hand, is that resisting arrest if I don’t intend to run? What is the mens rea? Furthermore, the fact that she was handled is proof of assault.
The moral of the story here is that we as citizens have to be strong, not just journalists. Yes David, I have been trying for years to get the last President to reconvene the Association and nobody seems eager or willing to reconvene it. All pointing at Ridley. I advised him to call a meeting and resign or elect a new President.
There is also the Commonwealth Association of Journalists which is going, Josanne Leonard of T&T is the last general secretary. Also the Caribbean Media Workers which was headed by another young T&T journalist.
These organisations need to collaborate… and while I am at it, this is another reason why the journalists should pay more attention to the NGOs and big them up, because this is the support you want right now. Asking the Nation for a page for years; we’ve been scoffed at; we are not sensational, however, I would have thought that you would use the sensationalism to get out important news and information.
Technician // December 21, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Pay ME no mind David.
If it was a boy on the block being charged, Me would be looking in the papers shaking his/her head, saying what a lawless young man. There would be no issue with a ghetto boy’s face in the paper but put an Officer and lo and behold, the Police have a right to prevent one of their own having their pic taken.
Then you wonder how this place get so.
The hypocrisy of democracy.
Standing by... // December 21, 2008 at 6:49 PM
According to BARRY ALLEYNE in today’s Nation – “Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin is quite worried about the high number of police officers being charged with crimes.
In fact, he is so concerned that he plans to raise it again at the level of Caribbean Commissioners of Police so some brainstorming can be done to find ways of reducing the number of officers accused of breaking the laws they have sworn to defend.”
Is this the laugh of the year, or is this the laugh of the year? Imagine: there has to be a ‘brainstorming’ session to “to find ways of reducing the number of officers accused of breaking the laws they have sworn to defend.”
Anybody want to suggest ways of reducing the number of officers accused of breaking laws ?
Could muzzling the press be one way?
What about… attracting people of a better calibre to become a police officer, by paying them decent salaries?
Let’s hear your suggestions….
Sargeant // December 21, 2008 at 7:07 PM
@Technician
These are the same journalist who refuse to ask the hard questions officials or politicians, who dont do any investigative reporting, who sometimes let off the same corrupt Police, that are now crying out for help and support
**************************************
Do you think that the people who write for the press or read the stories on TV or radio in Barbados have any power? If the bank turns you down for a loan do you ask the Teller for an explanation? These people just trying to earn a living, pay their rent/mortgage and feed their families. Barbados is a small place and they want to avoid “stepping on corns” to keep their jobs. The so called “Freedom of the Press” is a joke in Barbados and the reporters know if they step out of line they will be out on the street. All of us with few exceptions write on these blogs anonymously so we can be journalists by default because we don’t have to face any penalties. When the Nation was unsure if they should publish any article which was critical of the last Gov’t they referred it to their lawyer. Guess who their lawyer was? I am not going to call names but he is an ex columnist at the same paper.
So we can all wish for “pie in the sky” of an independent and fearless press but it ain’t going to happen. Until then we should support these poor souls who find themselves at the mercy of the RBPF when they were just trying to earn a living.
PiedPiper // December 21, 2008 at 7:33 PM
When we all first got the news about I’Akobi Maloney, I stated that I felt he saw something he was not supposed to see and certain persons could not allow him to leave with that knowledge. While I hesitate to paint all RBPF with the same tainted brush, it would appear that officers have been engaging in the sale of drugs. I still believe that I’Akobi was “done away with” but will this ever come out as the truth? I doubt it.
PiedPiper // December 21, 2008 at 7:34 PM
my above post should have said “SOME officers have been engaging in the sale of drugs”,
Adrian Hinds // December 21, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Something is really really wrong when succesive generations of Barbados police personnel thinks that effective policing means roughing up, manhadling, threathening, and being uncivil to the citizens they serve. It is really not a wise thing for individual Barbados police agents to be so barbaric to fellow citizens in a small society such as Barbados. What will happen when such a citizen decides that he/she had no recourse and takes matters into his/her own hands? Indeed such may be occuring as we speak, what with the alledge threats made against a police officer in the I’Akobi investigation. Is the police force via individual agents such as this young cop, the unwillingness of the top brass to rain in this behaviour, and the naked pragmatism that has seemingly envelop all of Barbados, going to allow these set of circumstances to balloon into an unmanigeable situation re. Jamaica?
We could start by rebranding the Police by taking the word “FORCE” out of it’s name. Maybe such would help to instill in police officers that FORCE should not be the first tool in effective policing.
These pictures of officers roughing up journalist disturbs me. Now when ever i come into contact with a retired Barbadian policeman I usually ask, how many people they have rough-up during their career. This is not good.
Ian Bourne // December 21, 2008 at 7:59 PM
It’s a matter of discretion, and using some commonsense – Good Lord; take a hard look at them poor kids, Jimmy and Cherie? Who are they going to cat-spraddle & maul-sprig? A cockroach? Sure they might try to run but if you put a hand on them I am sure they will quiet for fear of damaging their equipment/livelihood, ie: cameras…
Ian Bourne // December 21, 2008 at 8:00 PM
I wish them well, unfortunately at home with gastro…
J // December 21, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Scout wrote “I immediately pushed the camera away and this guy threatened to fight if I touch his camera again. He proceeded to come back into the girl’s face again and again I pushed the camera away”
Scout are you awae that you very likely criminally assaulted the journalist and could have/should have been prosecuted.
You had your job to do as a godfather.
The journalist has his job to do.
As long as he was not preventing you from doing your job you had no right preventing him from doing his.
I was about to call you an idiot, but in the spriti of the season I’ll restrain myself.
J // December 21, 2008 at 9:06 PM
me wrote “tons of ads, and other nonsense.”
Those tons of ads and other nonsense keep sales people working instead of being unemployed.
I was going to call you an idiot but in the spirit of the season I’ll restrain myself
David // December 21, 2008 at 9:07 PM
@ROK
You say Ridley is President of the BAJ? Is this Ridley Green?Can someone call him or send him an email to ask his views on the future of the BAJ and why it has been dormant under his watch?
J // December 21, 2008 at 9:09 PM
me wrote “Freedom of the press does not mean freedom to go any and every where at any and everytime… ”
An d Christmas or no Christmas I have to call you an idiot.
You idiot the press is free to be in any PUBLIC place. And the courtyard is a PUBLIC place. The taxes of those same journalists pays to acquire and maintain the courtyard, and pays the salary of the commissioner of police and his minions.
J // December 21, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Sselyn wrote “Where were de media on Wednesday afternoon when the Primary schools had the finals at mall international”
The media was right there at mall internationale. The Nation reported the event on their website with a lovely photograph of the winning children and their teacher
J // December 21, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Dear Ms Lynch-Foster:
CONGRATS on DOING the RIGHT thing.
That is congrats on on seeking support for Cherie and Jimmy. I trust that all journalists who are off duty and well as all retired journalists, and all former journalists will come out to offer their support.
With regards to your comment “Last year, the former AG said we had no right on the hospital premises”
This is a stunning statement coming from an Attorney General. No wonder the people voted him out of office. Which part of PUBLIC PLACE does he not understand? The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is a PUBLIC PLACE, paid for with the PUBLIC’s MONEY, and as such the PUBLIC and JOURNALISTS doing work in the PUBLIC’s interest have a RIGHT to be there. Neither the public nor journalists have to ask ANYBODY’s permission to be at the QEH.
However I too have been threatened with arest by a policewoman. My crime? I refused to disembark from a ZR van when the driver wanted to cut short his route by about 2 miles. Instead of the policewoman instructing him to complete the route she threatened to arest me because I refused (politely) to disembark.
Do we understand now why so many ZR men do as they like. They do so because they know that they have thier protectors in the Royal Barbados Police Force, and perhaps in the Attorney General’s office too. Since I spent many, many, many years teaching Sunday School I politely invited the young woman to do her job and to arrest me if she belived that she had REASONABLE AND PROBABLE cause to do so. She has not arrested me yet.
After a 2 hour standoff during which the station sergeant seemed uncertain of what to do, I asked him if I was under arrest, he said no so I walked out of the station and took a taxi home.
At no time did any officer instruct the driver to complete the route. At no time was the driver threatened with arrest.
That day I lost trust in my police force.
However I believe that the qualifications for entering the police force are too low and the training period is too short. It is high time that we provide our policemen and women with training to at least the associate’s degree level. I was in Jamaica this century and was surprised to learn that in the 21st century the qualification for entering the Jamaican policeforce was having gone to 7th standard. That is in the 21st century the Jamaican police force accept recruits who have in the main finished their formal schooling at age 13 or 14.
Ignorant, poorly trained policemen do not only discredit the force, they discredit us as well.
Gear Box // December 21, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Pot and Kettle both black
AAAAAAAAAAAAAghhhhhhhhhh
BAFBFP // December 21, 2008 at 10:26 PM
J
My sympathies.
I have been pulled over by Special Forces personel for blowing my horn behind them after they blocked a two lane highway at a trafic light that had turned green. They were having an extended friendly chat with a driver in the other lane. They threatened me with the comment “So who think you gun complain to uh..?”
common sense // December 21, 2008 at 10:37 PM
@ROK
you are the only one who seems to analyse the situation in a logical way. In order for someone to be resisting arrest there must have been a prior offence for which the individual could be arrested. If you analyse the video on CBC you would realise that the cameraman was filming the back of the drug accused’s head as he was trying to hide his face in the wall. Then all hell break loose when other officers realised that the drug accused was being filmed and would not be able to leave without his face being recorded. Then they started trying to prevent the journalists from continuing the recording. A lot of policemen are ignorant , uneducated and poorly trained and therefor cannot subjugate their base instinct.
eg the constable who has an arrest warrant issued for him but has absconded to the UK. Now imagine a police officer already on a charge for beating a woman and upon beating and raping a whore is allowed to board a plane before being charged. Will he be extradited? has the event even been publicised in the press? Has notice that an arrest warrant has been issued for his arrest been communicated to the press?
Few Policemen are endowed with a sense of justice it seems.
Maybe now the press realises this we can see independent investigation of police excesses and abuse of power.
Too few Judges realise that they are to be an independent counterfoil to police extravagances so as to ensure justice.
The system is supposed to function with
1. the police
2. the citizens
3. the judiciary
4. the press
5. Independent oversight
all acting as checks and balances.
J // December 21, 2008 at 11:03 PM
common sense wrote “absconded to the UK. Now imagine a police officer already on a charge for beating a woman and upon beating and raping a whore is allowed to board a plane before being charged”
He is a sick man. He WILL offend again. The authorities in the U.K. will deal with him. They don’t care ’bout no small place like Barbados.
Inside U.K. jails are not nice. Nuff, nuff Jamaican bad boys in there. And when he has served his sentence and has been deported then we can deal with him once he returns home.
J // December 21, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Can someone explain to me please how I can explain to a class of Sunday school children why the police seem so anxious to protect an accused cocaine dealer?
Keep it simple please . Explain it in a way that a ten year old child can understand.
The Scout // December 22, 2008 at 12:07 AM
J
Maybe the spirit of the season refrains you but if you are an idiot you are one regardless of the time of the year or season and YOU ARE ONE. I’ll repeat, the media knows who to embarrass, and anytime they try that stunt on me or any of my family. I will defend my interest. When the media starts respecting people, people will respect them. I’m sorry for what happened to those on Saturday back they are all part of a very unprofessional bunch of jokers
Sony // December 22, 2008 at 12:33 AM
If you approach an officer and ask for permission to film or shoot and he/she says no, walk away, if you force the issue you will be opening up yourself to all kinds of trouble. I personally have asked the police to shoot a very sensitive situation and was given the ok even when my fellow media workers where kept out………….its how you go about it that matters
Technician // December 22, 2008 at 12:37 AM
@ Sargeant……
Honestly…..I dont know how to respond to you !!
You either just arrived or have selective memory.
I will just let you comment slide ………THIS time.
J // December 22, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Dear Sony:
You can’t be a very good journalist.
Why should a journalist have to ask the police permission to take pictures in a PUBLIC place?
BARBADOS IS NOT A POLICE STATE, but it may yet become one, since there are so many men like you WITHOUT BALLS.
Unless you want Barbados to become a police state, you will do your job instead of looking around for a policeman to give you permission.
You are not in infants B man!!!!! You do NOT have to put up you hand and say “officer may I?” before you do your job.
If I was your employer I would fire you.
General Lee // December 22, 2008 at 12:50 AM
To Protect Serve And Reassure…………our members and friends at all cost.
All others be aware and beware.
J // December 22, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Dear scout:
You wrote “the media knows who to embarrass”
I’ll say this very very slowly so that even Scout can understand.
Reporting the news is not seeking to embarrass anyone.
In EVERY country of the world if a policeman is charged with trafficking cocaine that is NEWS.
The NEWSpapers/radio/television stations would be failing in their DUTY if they did not report it.
Taking and publishing photographs is a legitimate part of gathering the news.
Got it now scout???
J // December 22, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Scout I know that you have some delightful grandchildren.
Would you want that policeman posted on guard duty outside your grandchildren’s school gate?
Ahhh!!! I though not.
The Scout // December 22, 2008 at 1:01 AM
Sony
Forget the arrogant IDIOT. It is because of people like him/her that the media gets little respect. If something happens home at me or anywhere to anyone close to me and they are in a compermised position/situation I just hope J doesn’t come around me with that nonsense or I will deal with J and claim temperary insanity.Read my blog I just made on BFP. To you; respect due. Merry Christmas and continue to be respectful, you’ll get far that way. BLESSINGS
General Lee // December 22, 2008 at 1:06 AM
The media in Barbados have been reduced to little more than public relations firms and advertising agencies.
Little wonder then that their employees are treated with disdain by those who think they have authorithy.
In other places a lawsuit would be filed against the Commissioner, Attorney General , Prime Minister and anyone remotely responsible for the officers involved.
Fair Play // December 22, 2008 at 2:08 AM
Scout
The police arrested one of their own for having cocaine which is an illegal drug.What is the problem if his picture is taken?The other guy who is a rasta had his picture in the paper.This is not about being anti-police but stopping the ignorance that goes on when the police abused their authority.It is happening too often.The police have a serious problem getting Barbadians to trust them because of this high handed behaviour they display ever so often on innocent citizens.
The Scout // December 22, 2008 at 2:34 AM
General Lee
In other places a lawsiut would be filed against the Commissioner, Attorney General, Prime Minister and anyone remotely responsible for the officers involved.
==========================
Name one of the other places and I would name you two places where worse would have happened. Furthermore, then what? they are timid, the media just looking for public sympathy. They are worried that to file a suit against these people they might not get an invitation to Illaro Court or some other big function. That’s why I can’t support them now, when they have a chance to do some soul searching journalism, questioning and reporting, they keep vital information to their chest but then when they can’t have it their way they want to cry foul. It can’t work both ways and the general public see the double standards that the media have.talk to some of these reporters/ journalists and they would tell you some stories that would be hair-raising, yet NONe of them are bold enough to go to print or air with it but hear of a little simple matter and they want to bore they way into people’s business. When all this hoooorah is over just now, them and the same police would be back together holding secrets for each other.let the media faternity deal with this matter but tell them unless they can be fair in their reporting keep from around me. Don’t use the small man as no Fallguy for your business. Most, if not ALL big-up media personnel got vital secrets holding for big-ups in this country and they would die with it in their minds and are not bold enough to spill the beans. Wallop in your own vomit now.
ROK // December 22, 2008 at 2:39 AM
David
Yes Greene. See if you can talk to him. It will take more than me to move Ridley as he has demonstrated before.
General Leee
Right on. The media house should file the charges.
commonsense
thaks for the compliment. You are right on too.
J
Most politicians make nonsensical statements when playing to the gallery. Next thing, wen the police trook you off the van and into the station they accomplished their task. So when you took a taxi home, you paid dearly.
What they should have done by law in advise the driver conductor to give you back your fare, otherwise he/she would be commiting an offence. That is the law.
Carson C. Cadogan // December 22, 2008 at 2:41 AM
DAVID
I can not imagine why you would be pissed off and frustrated.
What is there to be upset about?
The Scout // December 22, 2008 at 3:01 AM
J
Scout, I know you have some delightful grandchildren
===========================
Thanks for telling me. Obviously you know a lot more than me about my children. You see, that’s your problem, you know too much about others and very little about yourself. When did I mention my grandchildren to you or anyone else?
Peter Boyce // December 22, 2008 at 3:23 AM
I will be there, my comments on Boyce Voice speak for them selves
http://www.boycevoice.com/blog/2008/12/21/royal-barbados-police-force-making-my-ass-sick/
BAFBFP // December 22, 2008 at 4:05 AM
The Scout // December 22, 2008 at 3:01 am
The woman (?) was referring to your godchildren schupse…!
General Lee // December 22, 2008 at 1:06 am
“The media in Barbados have been reduced to little more than public relations firms and advertising agencies”
Got that right.
The media and the police, my, my, the two favouritest groups of people in the world.
199 // December 22, 2008 at 5:03 AM
The hypocrisy of democracy.
**************
So, Technician, is opposed to democracy too!! I wonder which form of govt. he’d replace it with!! Perhaps, rastafarianism?!! An wunna does bodda tuh listen to he?!!
Man, wunna got de time!!
Bajan In Brooklyn // December 22, 2008 at 5:06 AM
David,
On my return from kadooment this year I email someone photo I took of the RBPF man handling a drunk man on kadooment day and you never posted them. I email you them because it was no reason to pull and tug on his dreads after they had already had him in handcuffs.
199 // December 22, 2008 at 5:48 AM
199 // December 22, 2008 at 5:03 am
The hypocrisy of democracy.
**************
So, Technician, is opposed to democracy too!! I wonder which form of govt. he’d replace it with!! Perhaps, rastafarianism?!! An wunna does bodda tuh listen to he?!!
Man, wunna got de time!!
*************
Convened meeting of Technician’s, rastafarianism govt!!:
Cabinet Minister to PM: “PM, please, pass d dutchie pun d left han side”!!
PM responds!!: “which side, Bertie”?!!
Bertie: “D lef han side, an mine yuh hair lick in it”!!
Lor!! Leh me stick wid good, ole time democracy, boa!!
Lordd!!
Gear Box // December 22, 2008 at 6:35 AM
199
Democracy produce Blah and Bushwack
AAAAAAAAAghhhhhhh
Technician // December 22, 2008 at 6:57 AM
@ 199…..
You always have to come and derail any discussion with your posts. Are you that stupid or is it that you are so biased, that you always take things out of context?
Then again…….you should never underestimate the predictability of stupidity !!
199 // December 22, 2008 at 7:56 AM
The hypocrisy of democracy.
******************
Technician, dear, I remind u who made the above remark!! i.e. YOU, YOURSELF!! So, if anybody, started to derail the discussion, it was YOU!! I’m simply, making certain u don’t get-away with your usual anti-democracy, pro-rastafarianism rant!!
A rastafarian, government in Bim, would be characterise by lots of smoking and heavy drinking and not much work getting done, which is why I plan to use every means at my disposal, to ensure it never happens!!
Lord a mercy!!
An concerning predictability, u can rely on dat, as predictably, as the sun will shine in Bim, tomorrow!!
me // December 22, 2008 at 8:40 AM
J FYI ( dear stupid IDIUT, whether at Xmas or not) I am well aware that newspapers make money from advertising , thats why they charge me $1000.00 for a quarter page …LOL
But I maintain that our newspapers are very weak in substance and nothing you hva esaid has proven otherwise.
Our RBPF needs work …granted but the ‘media’ as it operates now has lost its way.
J // December 22, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Dear ROK:
Please note that the police did not touch me.
I have NEVER been touched by a police person in my life.
I sat in the van in the police station for 2 hours begging to be arrested. But the police refused to oblige. I got tired of waiting and paid a taxi $20 to get home. I did not mind paying the $20. I am sure that the driver and the owner (likely a policeman) lost much more than $20 that evening.
J // December 22, 2008 at 9:27 AM
Dear Scout:
Please note that I an NOT a journalists and have NEVER been a journalist.
Please note that like you I am a CHRISTIAN.
Please note that Christians MUST stand up for what is right and just.
J // December 22, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Dear ROK:
I take ZR’s every day. Since then that same driver has asked me at least a thousand times to get on board his van. I have smiled sweetly a thousand times and told him “no thank, I am not ready yet” I will continue to take the ZR’s everyday, but I will NEVER again take his van.
I had not yet actually paid my fare but throughout the incident I had my fare in my hand and was able and willing to pay, and both the police and the driver/conductor team know this. But NONE of the several police involved instructed the driver to complete his route. NONE.
So this driver has lost several thousand dollars in busfare from my family and me.
J // December 22, 2008 at 9:40 AM
Scout wrote “They are worried that to file a suit against these people they might not get an invitation to Illaro Court or some other big function.”
You really think that people value gooing to Illaro Court so much? For what to eat stale food?
After the official opening of Parliament earlier this year I was told by more that one person that they had the “belly” next day.
You think that people in Barbados still so poor ass that they hungry for big shot stale food?
Come in to the 21st century scout.
When
J // December 22, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Dear Scout:
I am sorry to hear that all of your children are barren.
199 // December 22, 2008 at 9:49 AM
People (the police or not) are inherently, barbaric and will abuse their authority at every, opportunity if allowed to do so which is why we must oppose such abuse every time it occurs!
J // December 22, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Dear Scout:
You and I were able to safely raise our children without worrying about cocaine dealing policemen.
Wouldn’t you like your children and mine and other’s people’s) to be able to do the same?
The police have a mission statement “to serve, protect and reassure”
Tell me do you think that cocaine dealing policemen are serving, protecting and reassuring to the the public whose taxes pay his salary?
You may not know but cocaine is a highly, highly addictive drug which has already ruined many lives in Barbados. How many more people do you think that we should permit to be ruined?
You and I are tough scout. Our children are likewise tough. But some of our brothers and sisters are weak and fall for the persuasion of the cocaine dealers? As a CHRISTIAN are you comfortable with cocaine dealing policemen?
Give me and all the bloggers a straight answer.
PiedPiper // December 22, 2008 at 10:06 AM
“J”, could you possibley get all that you have to say to various people in one post? Why do you need to jam up the whole thread with your multiple replies to this body and that body?
ROK // December 22, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I am so sorry that I could not make it to court this morning.
Gear Box
Where you now come from? Love it.
J
So long as you did not pay the man could put you off once he did not demand the fare prior. If for example the vehicle had broken down, he would either have to arrange to complete the journey or give back the passengers their money.
…but you is a real trouble tree though! You demonstrating raw consumer power. LOL… but you know that you unfair the man? LOL. You got me here cracking up. LOL!
Really and truly the only offence I see there is trespassing and how you going tresspass on a Public Service vehicle unless it got up a “private” sign? LOL! You is a first; woman with balls… I mean spine. LOL!
John Stevenson // December 22, 2008 at 12:40 PM
ROK
J is a living (wo)manifestation of people power… power to her!
DigiEd // December 22, 2008 at 12:54 PM
To Technician, Scout et al.
I said this on BFP and I will say it here again. I did NOT send this to the Barbados Underground. This was sent out in a Facebook message to my fellow media workers and was also posted on a Facebook group for Caribbean media professionals.
Clearly someone unbeknownst to me, has copied and pasted the message and sent it on to BU and they decided to post it in my name.
While I appreciate the intent, I do NOT appreciate the duplicitous method used. If you want to publish something in my name, I should be asked first.
Hence the various comments about the media using the blogs or running to the blogs even after we have been rightfully critical of their approach, are way off-base.
If I want to get a message out to journalists, there are several other very effective channels I can and have used.
-Amanda Lynch-Foster
DigiEd // December 22, 2008 at 12:57 PM
In response to Sselym, the NATION did cover the ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ choir competition at Mall Internationale. We reported it in the Saturday Sun, on our website http://www.nationnews.com and on our blog. Click here to see the story. (http://bajanchristmas.wordpress.com/2008/12/20/ignatius-byer-st-leonards-sing-their-hearts-out/).
ROK // December 22, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Yeah John. The Police could not do anything about ‘J’ because she was just demanding a consumer right as it relates to public service, but the guy was within his right too because he did not take the fare. Just a clash of two rights but don’t make a wrong on either side.
That is the spirit of business. Good that he did not try to grab her and pull her out to enforce his right because then he would be breaching hers.
Bonny Peppa // December 22, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Scout,
I wid you all de way.
I would like you and J to stop this nit-picking and back and forth. It does nothing for the argument. OK? You have your opinion and J has his/hers. It too near to Christmas . Some journalist and cameramen gotta learn to tek da place.I doan k wah nabody sah. ‘Evva sa welcome, wait fa ya call. Good.
Pied Piper,
J could reply as much times as she /he want. What is your problem? We all are guilty of it at times.Stupseeeeeeeee.
Blessed Christmas All.
me // December 22, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Who would want to be a policeman in this climate? We will get the kind of Police force we deserve….hopefully we will remember when it all turned sour and why???
Sony // December 22, 2008 at 4:46 PM
I think all media workers should start educating them self in realtion to ENG and the the law, police are trained to enforce, I saw an accident out side a night club the guy got git head on by a car, the guy flew aleast 15ft before he landed, dispite my plea to the officer not to move him till the ambulance came, he insisted that the victim be moved cause he blocking the flow of traffic , police are not trained in humanity, they only know how to enforce
David // December 22, 2008 at 6:28 PM
@Amanda
We never meant to offend. We thought by giving you full credit with the explanation that it was a message circulated to media personnel would have been sufficient. Given your sensitivity we will accede to your request in future.
It is unfortunate though that journalists would seek to close ranks on this issue. Trust us when we say you will need all the help you can get.
Adrian Hinds // December 22, 2008 at 6:55 PM
BU if you cannot see what is occurring let me spell it out for you. The Barbados media and media personnel have no uses for BFP and BU and would most likely, like to see the end of the blogs. They however cannot deny the truth of your existence and the high readership you enjoy amongst Barbadians. This will not however lead to an embrace or recognition of you and your blogs. All it means to them is that they have to fight a little harder to be rid of you. They have there own wordpress blog now, and the approach is likely to be one of replacing your blogs. You should not be entice by the presence of Amanda Double-Surname and other so called big name media people who “pop” in from time to time to make demands of some sort etc. These people are self-centered jokers and will never accede to the important role the blogs play. This is their turf and they intend to keep it that way.
Amanda Double-Surname either honestly thinks that blogs are ofthen deceptive and deceitful, and wants nothing to do with them at all or she is fearfull that her bosse who thinks the blogs are deceptive and deceitful may see comments attributed to her on the blog as treasonous and fires her. My view DigiEd may change base on which it is.
Anonymous // December 22, 2008 at 7:00 PM
The journalastic image in barbados needs cleaning up big time.
You have all sorts of persons entering the fraternity like for example veoma ali who has dragged the label broadcaster down the drain.
Then you have so-called journalists who can’t write a proper story,english sub-standard,and cannot do any hard nosed journalism except to rewrite or even write verbatim press responses.
Let’s not even talk about the cupids,or the sharon millington or kimberley skeete of this world (not even touching the deejays).
What ms foster would your organisation be called if it has to accomodate all these misfits under the big tent?
You all should have privately and publicly objected to veoma ali remaining on air after her despicable behaviour to kareen clarke this year.
You have very little respect now in the public,sad to say,because like it or not, you are an important part of the wheel.
Carson C. Cadogan // December 22, 2008 at 7:15 PM
I do not feel sorry for them at all.
David // December 22, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Please leave Amanda alone. Our fight is not with this young journalist.
Anonymous // December 22, 2008 at 7:23 PM
Bonny Peppa, you feel I is the only body that bring this to the attention of “J”. One day the woman made 14 consecutive posts that cud be covered in one…..steuuuupsssss yahself.
Adrian Hinds // December 22, 2008 at 7:31 PM
David // December 22, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Please leave Amanda alone. Our fight is not with this young journalist.
==========================
Sorry David can’t do that now. All cowards deserved to told that they are such. I would think long and hard before referring to someone’s actions Duplicitous, while seeking to have them meet one of my demands. Only a person who doesn’t like themselves would give into Amanda Double-surname request, that she made of BFP.
David // December 22, 2008 at 7:42 PM
@Adrian H
Try to visualize what happened to Amanda when she arrived at the Nation this morning. She was probably summons into the office of Roxanne Gibbs and or Vivian Gittens and asked to explain why two blogs (BU/BFP) which have been so pesky towards the media houses should be carrying a story penned by her.
This young journalist is showing some backbone of which she may yet pay a price, we hope not. Let us support her, treat Amanda as a case study. What she is able to achieve will rest with her ability to demonstrate leadership. Her colleagues must stand with her.
Tony Hall // December 22, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Leave Amanda alone. I know her personally and she is a very decent and dedicated journalist. Don’t make her the issue here.
ROK // December 22, 2008 at 8:16 PM
If Amanda is all that you say she is, it means she can ably defend herself.
Adrian Hinds // December 22, 2008 at 9:44 PM
She referred to the publishing of her comments, by BFP as “being done in a duplictious way”. These are not the words of a victim, but the words of someone who harbours similar viewpoints of the Blogs as the media bosses. She shall remain fair game for me.
Bonny Peppa // December 22, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Anonymous,
To tell ya de trute, I prefer to read 14 consecutive post than 1 long drawn out post. By de time I get four lines down I usually faget wha’ um is I reading ’bout. At me age, dah is possible so lef’ J an leh she post how she wants.
My gift to you fa Christmas is a big,long, slurpy……………………………… stupseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Technician // December 22, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Well she called me out by handle and all I have to say to her is ….you lie with dogs….ya gine catch fleas !!
Technician // December 22, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Poor 199/Bimbro/Idiot/Bigot/…./…
I am dreadlocked not Rastafari fool!!
BIG difference!!
Last night I was in great company at Lucky Horse Shoe in Warrens.
Sat down with our PM to watch NFL and Cricket with none other that his best friend Dopie who is guess what Bimbro…..ready for this??….are you sitting??………A RASTAFARIAN!!
We in Bim are not that bigoted or ignorant, wee see past the locks (at least most of us)
So ….Seasons Greetings to you and yours (Doubt) and all the best for the New Year.
J // December 23, 2008 at 12:33 AM
me wrote “Who would want to be a policeman in this climate? We will get the kind of Police force we deserve….hopefully we will remember when it all turned sour and why???”
Dear me:
Please tell us who do you think added the VINEGAR TO THE MILK of the Royal Barbados Police Force? And tell us when it was added? And why?
199 // December 23, 2008 at 3:51 AM
We in Bim are not that bigoted or ignorant, wee see past the locks (at least most of us)
******************
You’ve confirmed that standards have not only fallen but are virtually, non-existent, which is no more than I’ve been alleging, all along!! So, thanks, for agreeing with me!!
199 // December 23, 2008 at 5:52 AM
So Tech, tell muh!! Wha d PM was doing so near tuh u, las night!! He in got nutten betta tuh do?!!
I gun have to revise my support fuh he at d nex elecshun!!
freewilly // December 23, 2008 at 6:42 AM
C’mon people,this is Barbados,wunna think that the police now involved in drugs or only drugs,them involved in tiefing,extortion,gun selling and murder and i nearly forget DRINKING NUFF RUM wunna really feel police care about poor bajans,wuh wunna can’ gi’ de men nuttin’,”PAY ME TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY,THAT’S HOW IT’S DONE AROUND THESE HERE PARTS”POOR JOURNALISTS,WUNNA NOW GINE GET BEAT UP.
J // December 23, 2008 at 8:55 AM
Hal Austin wrote on December 22nd at 11:32 that his mother used to pay the police to look the other way while she permitted gambling at her shops, and now Hal is wondering how the police get so” I’ve never said this to anyone before but now I have to tell Hal Austin
Yah muddah!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ian Bourne // December 23, 2008 at 9:08 AM
I will be crucified for this, but I feel it’s worth it, here goes – the “BAJ” are such hypocrites – choopse!
I kinda hate to say this, but in some ways, journalists themselves are 2 blame… You act like ghouls in an accident, who dead? Got a picture? Also – who get charged? Ppl get CHARGED not INDICTED nor CONVICTED, do we have same alacrity when same body is EXONERATED?
When I send a release on what SSA do as a good deed ya can’t be bothered, but if Mangrove fall short or Greenland is hot ticket or men on strike, you wanna bombard my cell from 4:00 am (no lie this has happened)…
So now the shoe on other foot I have 2 sit back and say “Dah 4 lick Ya”! If u pay attn 2 both de positive and de negative from the get-go, then U wouldn’t be in this bind, huh, as you sow?
Ian Bourne // December 23, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Adrian say – “Amanda Double-Surname either honestly thinks that blogs are often deceptive and deceitful, and wants nothing to do with them at all or she is fearfull that her bosses who thinks the blogs are deceptive and deceitful may see comments attributed to her on the blog as treasonous and fires her.”
True, as I say before Nation has policy NOT 2 recognise BU nor BFP, and so – for 2nd time since FOI – therefore I am again in accord with Mr Hinds, wow!
Adrian Hinds // December 23, 2008 at 12:42 PM
ha ha ha Ian when two objective people set out in their own way to find the truth, they are bound to end at the same place.
Anonymous // December 23, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Scout said:
They are worried that to file a suit against these people they might not get an invitation to Illaro Court or some other big function.
——————————–
Scout
For clarification, are you suggesting that the Media Houses should bring a Law suit against the Government?
If you are, I should correct you on something. The Media Houses can not bring a law suit on behalf of someone else. Only the person who was “wronged” may sue the “wrongdoer”. That is to say, It is for Cherie and the Gentleman from CBC to bring any law suit against the Government.
So the most likely reason that the nation or CBC have not filed Law suits is because they have no basis to sue.
*************
Scout you also said:
“Most, if not ALL big-up media personnel got vital secrets holding for big-ups in this country and they would die with it in their minds and are not bold enough to spill the beans.”
I must admit that I am defender of the Media.
People always assume the worst about the Media in Barbados. If it isnt one thing it is the next. When young boy was beaten in Highgate Gardens, the media was accused of sensationalism (if they didnt bring the story then they would have been accused of hiding the story).
I find that the media is damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
I have said this before but I will say it again. I believe that the reason why some scandalous stories are not brought in the news is because the media Houses fear Defamation Law suits.
And that is why there is that pudding and souse section in the Nation newspaper and that is one of the reasons why there is a delay on “down to brass tacks”. The media is trying to protect itself. It is not trying to hide the secret scandals of “big ups”.
The pudding souse section is a way to get the scandalous information out there without exposing themselves to liability.
This is why Blogs are popular. The anonimity allows for people to report the behind the scenes “scandals” with impunity.
While I respect Barbados underground, BFP’s recklessness has reassured my support of defamation Laws.
My point is that we should stop assuming that there is some nefarious reason why some of the stories that appear on the Blogs do not reach the headlines of the mainstream Media.
Anonlegal // December 23, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Last post was mine
Juris // December 23, 2008 at 2:23 PM
You are aware, of course, anonlegal, that even “pudding and souse” stories nay sometimes be the basis of defamation suits.
Anonlegal // December 23, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Juris:
I dont doubt that some Pudding and souse stories get the nation into some hot water. I personally have not seen one in a while because I am not living in Barbados. But when I was in the island, there was a definite attempt to keep the stories so vague that it could not be said to refer to anyone in particular.
Anonlegal // December 23, 2008 at 4:42 PM
P.S.
And one of the first things that a claimant in a defamation suit must show is that the defamatory statement referred to him/her.
Adrian Hinds // December 23, 2008 at 5:06 PM
“When those gathered in support attempted to enter the court however, they were initially denied entry and told that only the person acting as the surety could enter.
Among those left on the steps of the court were Chief Executive Officer of the Nation Vivian-Anne Gittens, Executive Editor Roxanne Gibbs, deputy general manager of the CBC Rod London, Human Resources manager of the CBC Sandra Blackman and Roesmary Alleyne director of Broadcast services, along with the colleagues and family members of Gittens’ and Pitt, including her father Nation photographer Charles Grant.
After about half an hour the matter was rectified and some family members, bosses and colleagues were allowed into the court. ‘
Nationnews :Media close ranks
Published on: 12/23/08
==========================
Is it this bad in Barbados? Is there no clearly published procedure, for gaining entry to a court? Why isn’t the Big Wig Media personnel mention in the above snippet not aware of these procedures? Check the nationnews paper for the photo, don’t they all look like lost sheep, looking like a deer caught in headlights? I get the sense from the report that there isn’t a clear process in place and that someone makes these decisions on the fly. Hope i am wrong as such circumstance to my mind makes the case little bit stronger for Banana republice status.
….Even if i did not know the rules, they would have had to show me where it is written that i could not enter the court, or in who’s authority such power to deny me entry, lies.
The Scout // December 23, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Adrian Hinds
Look, have a good Christmas and forget those jokers. There is a process to follow. Each person who has a case in court is allowed a support person along with their Attorney. Remember the actual room is not very big and there are a number of other cases to be hear. These people wanted to fill the courtroom, so they were told to wait on the outside until they see how much space was vacant. Somehow the media seem to think that they have Godgiven right to do as they like. They are behaving like spoilt children. This is putting the public against them even though they might have a legitimate case. Eventually, when the necessary persons were in court they allowed senior persons into the room.
The Scout // December 23, 2008 at 5:27 PM
None of the other persons that were there to support other accused were given entry. ALL the vacant seat were given to the media personnel.
The Scout // December 23, 2008 at 5:54 PM
The photos posted looks like a child throwing a tantrum. It looks really childish, police hold somebody they fall on the floor and looking for sympathy. Had they obeyed the police officer those pictures would not have been posible so that was all part of the media display. If somebody break into the house one of those media people that trying to make the police look bad, the first person they would call is the very police
Adrian Hinds // December 23, 2008 at 6:20 PM
Oh Thanks Scout, such things cannot stop me from enjoying my Xmas.
Sargeant // December 23, 2008 at 7:57 PM
@ Scout
If somebody break into the house one of those media people that trying to make the police look bad, the first person they would call is the very police
**************************************
Who would you have them call? Isn’t protecting the citizenry a major part of the duties of the Police? They are not above criticism, but then again they know who to push around. I am waiting to see how they react the next time they get a call to a “gated community” and some security guard tells them to go “fly a kite”.
David // December 23, 2008 at 8:08 PM
It warms our heart to see the journalists showing some spunk. It is interesting a few of the young journalists are the ones attempting to mobilize the press corp in Barbados. We wonder why they feel they have to come together at this time. Is it because of those pesky blogs? Was it the harsh comment delivered by Prime Minister David Thompson during the last press conference? Maybe a clashing of the two?
Remember when he said the media has become too concerned with self-censorship?
Many of the media maguffies seen in the court yard yesterday were forced to be there because of circumstance. If they had respect for the profession the senior journalists would be the ones leading then the charge and not the rookies.
This is a case where the cart is before the donkey.
ROK // December 23, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Scout
Where you get that from? Each person allowed one supporter plus attorney? Nonsense. Where is that written? The court is an open court and those who have no business in court except to want to know what is going on in there or any member of the public can enter the courtroom.
Only in Barbados people in authority who should know better, breach the law by denying people their rights; Little Hitlers or Ceasars. What I can’t understand is that the lawyers who know better sit in the court like puppy dogs.
I can’t say it enough, that people today do not have a clue about their rights and Civics should be taught in schools as a school course so that people have an idea of their rights. This is a serious weakness in the educational system.
So we have a lot of people out there who the police and other authorities feel they could bull-shit and shout commands at. In too many cases, these same authorities do not understand the rights of the public either.
If having supporters in there will fill the courtroom and prevent others from retaining their right to support in the courtroom, those who came for a specific purpose could be asked to remain outside until the case is called before they enter the courtroom. It is that civil.
Therefore, nobody should be stopped from entering the courtroom. An announcement can be made asking some of the people to withdraw until their case is called. This is so commonplace in today’s world.
The basic problem with us as a people is that we don’t know how to proceed. We don’t know if we are doing right or wrong and in those cases expect people to be timid. If all Barbadians knew their rights, even the police would behave different because they would know these rights and would also know that the average person knew their rights.
The Scout // December 23, 2008 at 10:14 PM
ROK
I had stop blogging for the rest of the year but I just had to respond to you on this one. While the courtroom is a public affair, the courtroom is a small area which can only accomodate about 60 to 70 people including the accused and their witnesses. On many occasions the accused and the witnesses have to wait on the outside and wait until their names are called. How then do you expect the media to fill up the courtroom when there were many other cases to be heard? The media can’t have priority, who the hell they think they are? They just making themselves look stupid trying to be arrogant.
However, have a great Holiday Season as I don’t know if you celebrate Christmas. Blessings for the 2009.
ROK // December 24, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Not sure you got the point. It is a question of application and the civil conduct of persons.
PiedPiper // December 24, 2008 at 1:21 AM
Does BU or anyone have a link to the Barbados Constitution? In civilized countries the constitution sets out the rights of it’s citizens and if the Courts and Law Enforcement do not feel that the rights afforded to it’s citizens under the constitution are to be respected then Barbados is lost.
J // December 24, 2008 at 4:13 AM
Scout wrote “If somebody break into the house one of those media people that trying to make the police look bad, the first person they would call is the very police”
I am not sure that you understand that the police are the servants of the tax paying public, therefore when the public calls the police HAVE TO respond. That’s what they get PAID to do. The police are not doing the citizens a favour when they respond. They are doing the job they are PAID to do. I believe that if an officer fails to do his DUTY he can be disciplined. If any of OUR police do not like serving, then they are free to find another line of work (maybe like cocaine trafficking)
J // December 24, 2008 at 5:23 AM
Scout wrote “Each person who has a case in court is ALLOWED a support person along with their Attorney”
Allowed by whom scout?
Who is the allower?
And you have not yet answered my question when I asked if you as a CHRISTIAN are comfortable with cocaine dealing policemen?
me // December 24, 2008 at 6:00 AM
What is your point… there are bad apples in every profession. And these bad apples should be dealt with. However you apparently seem to think that the POLICE are there to be ridiculed and knocked down while still giving you service. Police are human too and as persons in authority must be treated with respect.
No one is saying that all cops are perfect but the ethos of being a POLICE trumps the CURRENT ethos of the bajan media in my opinion.
We are headde down the path that to becoming a Jamaican slum. mark my words!
David // December 24, 2008 at 8:14 AM
@me
Like you we are always apprehensive when we have to place our police under the microscope. There is no quick fix. Even though the body of the police force is obviously influenced by bad apples, as a society the police must still be placed under pressure to correct their ills. Pressure can be removed from the Commissioner and the hierarchy of the police by ensuring that we have an active Police Complaints Authority. We understand from our Attorney General that it is functioning, if this is the case it should not only be functioning but appear to be functioning to the public.
Our comment equally applies to the media. Remove PCA and insert Barbados Association of Journalist (BAJ). The both organizations are critical to maintaining a free and fair Barbados.
Recently we have become aware that a woman who lives alone in Barbados is being harassed by three policemen. The reason as far as our investigation goes suggests that she had opened her home to a policeman who was asked to leave by his former partner. Things did not work out and he was asked to leave. Since that time she has been having visits from policemen who we assume are meant to intimidate her buy telling her she maybe arrested etc. Our source has indicated that this woman is in a heavy depressed state and maybe close to the brink. In our small way we have given some advice.
We hope, really hope that a BU family member who is a policeman will read this and approach their high command to inquire on behalf of this unfortunate woman. It is Christmas, please let this woman enjoy her life.
After the holidays we will determine what we should do next if the situation continues.
Ian Bourne // December 24, 2008 at 8:18 AM
As I see it, both sides are guilty – the media for not ensuring Police are sticking to their duty by co-operating too often in hopes of a scoop; and Police having a double standard for videoing or photographing a suspect regardless of affiliation (cops used to call CBC say “COME NOW” to get footage of a suspect, I am sure it still happens – but this was one of their own)…
But Jimmy and Cherie are victims of circumstance each trying to score a buck as they are freelance and thus ensuring their livelihood and also obeying instructions.
Both sides need to adhere to their original tenets of their job, less complicated.
Technician // December 24, 2008 at 8:48 AM
J // December 24, 2008 at 4:13 am
Scout wrote “If somebody break into the house one of those media people that trying to make the police look bad, the first person they would call is the very police”
I am not sure that you understand that the police are the servants of the tax paying public, therefore when the public calls the police HAVE TO respond. That’s what they get PAID to do. The police are not doing the citizens a favour when they respond. They are doing the job they are PAID to do. I believe that if an officer fails to do his DUTY he can be disciplined. If any of OUR police do not like serving, then they are free to find another line of work (maybe like cocaine trafficking)
—————————————————————————-
That sums it up in a nutshell.
Truer words have never been spoken.
ROK // December 24, 2008 at 9:50 AM
We talk about the breakdown of discipline, morals and standards in society, but the question is, are we understanding the anatomy of this decay?
For example, if we look in the wider society, the popular trend is, if you see somebody doing wrong you do not get into their business because everybody trying to make a dollar.
Similarly, the Police may think that they are so lowly paid and since the culture to make an extra dollar prevails in the society, they need an extra dollar too. So what are their blaring opportunities?
In terms of the activities that would constitute making a fast dollar, again look around in society and see how it is done.
One man gets a minibus and starts making lots of money and the whole population jump on the bandwagon.
One man start b-b-qing pig tails and everybody on the bandwagon.
Most recently; the Pork Limes can’t done.
Do you think it is happening any differently in the police force?
Further, you will find that when these activities start, the participants talk among one another and create a whole intelligence on the activity, which keeps the activity going; providing it with its check and balances to ensure it is sustainable.
Of course, each activity has its politics too; some trying to force certain others out and also trying to keep certain others out. Some will try to cut into the turf of another, etc.
Consider that this Policeman cocaine trafficker may be a fall-guy. Someone of his colleagues may have decided to teach him a lesson; maybe because he is considered an up-start. Or maybe he is cutting into turf. He may have been just the perfect fall-guy.
Why a fall-guy? Well the Police need to seem to be able to police itself. This is the essence of transparency. The Commissioner is now calling on his Caribbean counterparts to play a role in finding a mechanism that would make it appear that the Police is doing something about itself…
but I would give notice to the Commissioner that this is an admission that the accusations (disappearances of evidence is most applicable in this case) against the Police are not false and they need to be answered, not side-stepped.
Yardbroom // December 24, 2008 at 11:20 AM
There is a belief very prevalent in Barbados that only a few more dollars and we would be very happy; this ideology permeates every facet of our lives and no activity however reprehensible to our position or status precludes us from making that extra dollar; we are slaves to it and it is at the root of “all” our problems.
The above is a “general observation” and in no way indicates guilt on any person or persons charged with an offence.
ROK // December 24, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Chaaa Yardbroom!
You didn’t have to show me up so. LOL. I had to put some food for thought in there.
Well put.
Yardbroom // December 24, 2008 at 2:38 PM
@ ROK
I am running around trying to catch this turkey, what got me as he departed through the back gate he shouted “animal liberation!
Cheers have a nice time.
Adrian Hinds // December 24, 2008 at 2:40 PM
@Me
I agree with you. If we do not have law, and law enforcement we have nothing.At the same time we must at all times treat to the individual actions of police agents as such without attempting to treat the entire department, unless such is required. We must sanitize not eradicate. I too fear that the practices now endemic in Jamaica is gaining a foot hold in Barbados, Mia Mottley express such fear in parliament a couple years ago “your law is not my law” and the commission on law and order reported that this is a huge impression in the minds of Barbados youth. This is not good.
@ at ROK
I also agree with you, that often times person are not aware of their rights, and think the Law and more importanctly Justice is the word of a lawyer, a magistrate, or police agent. Their interpretation of the law and their resulting actions and ruling can be challenged if you know your rights, or in the least have an idea about them.
@PP
The constitution is available online and in print, also and I think more pointedly the various acts which would detail the specifics of all regulations that we are suppose to live by is also available online.
Adrian Hinds // December 24, 2008 at 3:47 PM
ROK // December 23, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Scout
Where you get that from? Each person allowed one supporter plus attorney? Nonsense. Where is that written? The court is an open court and those who have no business in court except to want to know what is going on in there or any member of the public can enter the courtroom.
===========================
The court process ACT section 70 states
The Rules of the Supreme Court, 1958 and the Magistrates’ court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 1958 and such other enactments as make provision for the service of court process shall be contrued mutalis mutandi in realation to their application in respect of this act
Mutatis Mutandi : ‘the necessary changes having been made
Magistrate Court of Barbados ACT section 209
1: A MAGISTRATE SHALL NOT TRY AN INFORMATION SUMMARILY OR HEAR A COMPLAINT OR EXERCISE HIS CIVIL JURISDICTION UNLESS HE IS SITTING IN OPEN COURT.
Juris // December 24, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Of course, AH, this does not speak to whom should be allowed entry into such open court. But the magistrate cannot close the court to all and sundry.
Adrian Hinds // December 24, 2008 at 6:04 PM
ah Juris, my next step is to determine what constitute open court in English law, and then to apply this to the stated circumstances depicted by the photo and news article.
Now I am guided only by the news reports which i will admit is not much giving what we have as journalist in Barbados and my belief that in general they seem to rely on their beliefs, and emotions rather than facts and ideas, to report news.
J // December 24, 2008 at 8:26 PM
On December 21st at 4:46 me wrote “The fact remains that Freedom of the press does not mean freedom to go any and every where at any and everytime…”
Dear me:
Your “facts” are incorrect. Where on earth did you learn those “facts”?
The media is free to go to any PUBLIC place, just as you or I are free to go to any public place. We do not need permision fo example to to to the beat, or on the street, or to a church once it has opened its doors, etc. Moreover there are time when you and I cannot go to a public event, but the media is there because th emedia represent us Jane and John Q. Public.
because the media acts in the public interest, and th
J // December 24, 2008 at 8:28 PM
go to the beach
me // December 24, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Since when does “Any and everywhere ” =
“any Public place”
Both Cherie Pitt and the videographer are freelance, they make money by the stories they produce, the more daring the photos etc the more likely they will sell. So is the motivation of these two to represent Jane and john Q public or is it to overstep the boundaries so that they will obtain a more daring/salacious photo an therefore get paid more… you tell me! Are you saying that the end result justifies the means?
ROK // December 24, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Well! Well! Well! Anybody watched the commissioner on the TV this evening admitting to corruption in the Force?
It took all this time to get the top cop to accept the fact. He has now to go one step more; become a champion for the teaching of Civics in schools.
He can now address the issue of moral decay in the society and use his good office to influence the relevant authorities to do something about the moral decay, since it affects the quality of the officers entering the force. He must have legitimate interests in the education of the population.
Further, if he was smart, as I am sure he is, he would partner with the Ministry of Education and designate two Officers per school, each to do at least six hours per week teaching civics in each of the schools from primary to secondary.
He has the man power and in any case this kind of investment will ensure that you no longer need the bulk of officers out there addressing what I would call activity arising out of ignorance. This must be taking a toll on the resources of the Force.
J // December 24, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Dear me:
I was referring to this immediate instance and also in general to what media people must do inorder to fully represent the public interest.
In this instance Cherie and Jimmy were in a pubic place to wit, the courtyard.
I am not aware that either photo journalist has ever for instance gone inside anybody’s house without invitation. Inside of your house is a private place.
Believe it or not the street outside of your house is a public place.
If you doubt me look up into the sky and see the satelites which are there.
nce I looked on google earth and could see the very colour of the car of a friend who was visiting me at the time.
Do you think that google asked my permission to take photograph of my driveway??
If you have never searched for your own house (or a friend’s or an enemy’s) ask me and I’ll show you how. The information and photographs are in the PUBLIC domain.
We may not like it, but it is IRREVOCABLY so.
And yes the end (as long as it causes no harm to others) justifies the means.
David // December 25, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Commissioner Darwin Dottin’s public relations effort is necessary and commendable as reported in the Nation newspaper but Barbadians require more than talk at this stage. We have been witnessing as is the case with the minibuses/ZRs alot of talk but no demonstrable remedial action over the years. The reality is that the way how the media, police, government, NGOs and other stakeholders in civil society are being viewed by the public is changing. Come on Barbados let us take it to the next level which is needed to sustain our development.
199 // December 26, 2008 at 3:08 AM
We may not like it, but it is IRREVOCABLY so.
********************
J, I appreciate u said the above in all honesty, but it is n’t irrevocable! Google’s action is controversial and objectionable to many and may yet, be challanged in the courts and prohibited!
John Stevenson // December 26, 2008 at 11:07 PM
@199
Yes sir! We need to realise that the Googles and Yahoos of the world are nothing without users – you and I.
@ROK
Please! LOL…police teaching civics? Might as well have the ‘King Herod Day Nursery’!
JC // December 27, 2008 at 1:35 AM
It was wrong what happened to those journalists DEAD WRONG!
However, i think the media needs to do their job and do some serious investigativE journalism! They KISS whose ever’s ass is in the driving seat THAT IS SICKENING! Aditionally, they want to ram their ideologies down on our throats; I can smell those Indians trying their darndest to rule! they are suceeding Barbados is doomed.
ANYHOW, If they could be more balanced awwwwwww just wishful thinking (on my part.) Imagine, when I read the article in which they complained about the harsh treatment given to thier colleagues the balance of the paper aint had in shit didly squat buh humbug!
Warrior // December 27, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Gangrene never starts with the whole foot or wherever; it starts with a little spot which goes noticed or purposely ignored, then trouble brek out on all hand and side.
Honestly, Barbados is a extremely corrupt society, from the teacher who doesn’t teach during day but prefers to give lessons in the evening, to high-priced prostitutes and low priced fare pickers having heavy weight backers in the public arena to legalize there horrible lifestyle, to the customs officer who rakes in more money over the December period than the Government, to the police aiding and abetting the death of our sons and daughters by trafficking, hiding the traffickers and dealing in all kinds of illegal drugs and weapons.
I could sit here and pontificate on how we should have values and morals, the truth is those virtures are all but gone in this country.
Say all you like about America but the “bad boys” do get exposed, here, they are glorified.
Maybe we will learn our lessons when we begin to make the human rights lists in an unfavourable way, when we begin to be black listed like Zimbabwe.
We never learn until the rock falls on us and crush us.
me // December 28, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Correction in America some of the bad boys does get exposed. Then they does serve time, then they come out and write a book about it and become wealthier than before LOL. Stupse yeah Bim is corrupt but please dont compare the US to us compare another small island nation. Thank you
David // December 28, 2008 at 5:28 PM
The Nation newspaper is to be completed for highlighting the plight of homeowners who are being ripped-off by the contractor at Buckley Meadows. What we don’t understand is why the newspaper is often reluctant to print the names and published the faces of the Directors of the company which in association with the NHC and was to have handed over these people houses by now. Why do we always protect these bastards?
This is our beef with the media in Barbados.
We would appreciate if the BU family post the names of the Directors for the information of all!
Here is some additional info- thanks to BU family member for sending the email:
AND
Afraid of the police // January 4, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Please read the following stories from today’s Trinidad Express online:
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161420017
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161420029
I have to wonder who is really behind drug problem and other serious crimes like human trafficking (prostitution) and even the “ZR” problems.
Mr. Mark L. fenty Sr // March 28, 2009 at 2:03 PM
The Police in Barbados is getting a bad reputation and it is not right, their are very decent human being in Our Royal Barbados Police Force who take their job serious inorder to keep Barbados free of crime. And some of these men work day and night to keep the island of Barbados safe, police like Taylor, Merritt, Gittens ,and Gibbons just to name a few these men leaded the way when Mark young, Harding, Sand fly, Pack Rat, these harden criminals were destroying our small island and disrupting our live. Thank to all the police men some living and dead who have given their best to keep Barbados a crime free island.