At least two veteran journalists weighed in on what seems to be the latest national talking point, local journalists in an animated discussion with Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire regarding access to jazz festival venues. While their right to have their say on the issue must be respected, they may have been misguided on what was really taking place.
Political opposition sympathizers and supporters also latched on to the latest hot topic alongside the exceedingly active “unofficial media” on the many social media platforms.
For quite some years now, it seems, local media members have been clamoring for the reintroduction of a governing body that would bring media personnel closer, foster better communication among media houses, promote much needed training and more importantly establish that unified body that would advocate on behalf of media workers. The media, and particularly the current pool of journalists, comprises mainly young, inexperienced but intelligent individuals who have the potential to reintroduce to St. Lucia the media that it rightfully deserves. This is simply just the reality of the current situation.
That said, Monday’s discussion at the government’s weekly briefing had nothing to do with journalists begging for tickets for the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. In fact, the members of the local media who were present were doing the very thing that the veteran journalists were asking of them, demanding respect for the profession and themselves. The discussion was specifically centred around the establishment of proper accreditation for media houses covering the annual festival. What is also noteworthy is the fact that some actually chose to boycott this year’s festival because of “lack of respect” and professionalism in the handling of the matter by the relevant authorities.
It is possible that there may have/had been individuals in the media who have faltered and may have brought the profession into disrepute, and it may also be true that the St. Lucia Tourism Authority {SLTA} and the Ministry of Tourism appear to have adopted an antagonistic posture where the local media is concerned but it is for reasons like these that the media workers association becomes even more important.
Those veteran journalists who have made their pronouncements public must remember the infamous debacle involving Prime Minister Dr. Vaughn Lewis and an unopened returned letter from the media workers association and what followed. If memory serves, what followed was backed by a full-strength media workers association and a fledging press club with a large pool of seasoned journalists ready for what seemed possible.
At a time when the local media fraternity should be rebuilding its reputation and reconstructing its respectability, it is suggested that, unlike other professions, one of the biggest hurdles stymieing progress is from within. Whether that is true or not, it must be understood that a strong media fraternity makes for a stronger state. Why then should we not promote and encourage a local media fraternity that lives up to the demands of this noble profession, veteran journalists included.
“Legitimate media” must both respect the profession, and, demand respect from all without exception. It is only then those who have formed their own personal opinions about the current crop will be nursed into a rethink.