While, I certainly appreciated the effort of the Daily Herald to be present during the press-conference called by me, much is left to be desired in terms of what was reported on this event in the Daily Herald, the day after, Saturday, June 6, 2009.
First of all, the person who came to the press-conference on behalf of the Daily Herald, Mr. Daune ROBIN came late and missed out most of the statements I made and questions I answered.
In contrast, Mrs. Bibi HODGE-SHAW of the St. Martin News Network, was present ahead of time.
During this press-conference, I gave an extensive breakdown of the motives for requesting the meeting with the Lt-Governor as well as with the President.
In addition, I also gave an extensive breakdown of what we hope to achieve with the meeting with these officials.
Furthermore, I answered a number of critical and necessary questions by Mrs. HODGE-SHAW.
It was towards the latter part of the press-conference, when Mr. ROBIN of the Daily Herald walked into the session.
When I offered him to repeat the my statements, he said that that would not be necessary, because he would get that from Mrs. HODGE-SHAW.
During the press-conference, Mr. ROBIN asked no questions at all and was anxious to leave again, clearly depending on the report of another journalist to do his job.
And from the article that was published, it was extremely clear, that either Mr. ROBIN, did a rush-job, sprinkling it with some sensation to make it ‘attractive' to the readers.
Never mind that it was a very sloppy job.
For the record, everyone who knows me, knows that I always prepare my presentations and press-conferences very precisely.
In this case again, I took quite some time out to prepare this press-conference and I went to the extreme to put everything I said in a broader perspective.
Quite to the contrary, it appears, that the Daily Herald did its utmost to place everything I said OUT of context.
Whether it is for sensation, out of lack of understanding, or based on the absence of good faith and objectivity to understand, or simply in order to demonize my person, that is for their account.
While I respect the right of the editor of any publication to decide on how any letters or speeches or what have you, are to be edited and published, I too have the right to expose such un-professional and even unjust reporting, because it does not contribute to educating the masses.
It is time, that all institutions, not only Government, within our society function in a professional, and accountable manner, that also includes the media.
Oftentimes, statements and letters to the editor, are twisted, thwarted, so-called in the process of ‘editing', that the final result does not reflect and do justice to what was said and/or meant.
Therefore, it should become standard procedure when giving interviews etc. especially on complicated and sensitive issues, to (video-)tape these events for future reference and not leave the reporting completely up the reporters.
Nevertheless, I recognize the importance of the media within our society.
With respect,
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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