EDITOR, The Tribune:

There is no room for political censorship in our Commonwealth! At the heart of our democracy lies a fundamental principle: the unalienable right of the press to operate freely. As a student of journalism, I find the Prime Minister’s recent remarks, suggesting that media should avoid front-page coverage of crime to protect tourism, not just troubling but fundamentally flawed.

Tourism is vital to our economy, but it must not be bolstered by suppression of truth. The rise in violent crimes is a reality that our community confronts daily. The Prime Minister’s attempt to paint a rosier picture, by manipulating headlines, infringes on the media’s duty which is to accurately report the news, not to serve as a public relations arm of the government.

Moreover, in this digital age, the notion that controlling the placement of stories in print media could somehow sanitize our global image is archaic. With the advent of social media and instant online news, information, especially of the sensational kind, spreads globally in a matter of seconds - like wildfire. The days when newspapers alone shaped public discourse and national image are long gone. What rock has he been under?

Manipulating journalists will not make the problem of crime disappear; it only undermines trust in our institutions. We must have the courage to face our challenges openly, using the power of the free press to initiate dialogue, propose solutions, and hold our leaders accountable for their actions and inactions.

Our country should be projected accurately, with both its beauty and battles. By the grace of God, we will overcome and thrive.

MAXINE SEYMOUR

Nassau, Bahamas

February 14, 2024