Philipsburg/Marigot: --- Several journalists operating on St. Maarten/ St. Martin has sold out the integrity of journalism by personally aligning themselves with politicians. Some of these journalists are said to be on the payrolls of certain politicians for favors they allegedly promised these politicians. Already the Collectivity of St. Martin has employed at least two journalists who have aligned themselves with the Union Pour le Progres political party prior to them being elected. One such favor is to make sure nothing negative is printed about their so-called bosses or favorite politicians. Over the past years several persons in the community have been speaking out against the work journalists on St. Maarten do and their personal alignment with politicians. Some persons are extremely critical of at least one daily newspaper because at least one journalist from that company is seen campaigning and working for certain politicians on St. Maarten yet the newspaper has done nothing about these statements.
We at SMN News understands that management of that newspaper is waiting for someone to give them proof so they can act.
Just recently independent Island Council member Louie Laveist said a particular journalist on St. Maarten was involved in his demise. Even though Laveist did not publicly say who this person was he did say that everyone knows that person. One newspaper even mentioned the name of a journalist to be the culprit. Even then the journalist neither the company for which that person is working for never reacted.
Some of the stories that are being told that one particular journalist held several meetings with Laveist when he was in office as the labour commissioner. This journalist was supposed to be a co-owner of a business the commissioner was supposed to open. That journalist was also supposed to be paid a hefty salary for their work in promoting the commissioner at the time. All of which fell through because Laveist was advised not to make that mistake.
The same journalist also sent out an email to certain other members of the press asking them if they were interested in doing public relations work for certain politicians on St. Maarten. Something that is in direct conflict of interest with the professions these people hold. Doing so also discredits the credibility of the stories that were written by these reporters. Worst of all the newspaper for which they are employed has turned a blind eye to the entire situation which is becoming more worrisome by the day.
In a meeting held with the president of Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty some months ago, Carty told several reporters bluntly that he heard they were sold out to politicians since there are no more objective reports printed in the newspapers on St. Maarten. Even though the statements made by Carty during that meeting was not meant for publishing, it did send the message to the few journalists that were there during the meeting. Surely those present were obviously embarrassed about what was said and the public perception on their involvement with politicians.
Over the past weeks all media representatives have been receiving email invitations from a particular journalist on behalf of politicians, reasons for their involvement is yet to be revealed.
Since the fall of the Democratic Party one journalist in particular has been actively involved with one of the former DP commissioners, this journalist was seen in public places with the commissioner and relatives of the commissioner. The journalist in question even acknowledged in a Blackberry chatting message that she would be the press secretary for the new deputy leader of government, when confronted by a well known politician on St. Maarten.
The journalist who no longer hides their involvement with the commissioner in question had on her MSN messenger the following messages ("total high energy on Lime Green" and" Lime Green Storm" to show their alignment with the politician who intends to use that color for his new political party in the next election.
On Saturday during the signing of the political agreement several journalists showed up to cover and even witness history being recorded. While some of us were there simply to cover the story as a reporter, the journalist and political ally and their spouse was there showing their personal involvement with the politician in question by wearing the same color of clothes and make sure they were fully involved in the process of signing the political agreement.
The following statement was taken for the Society of Professional Journalists website to remind our colleagues in the media our purpose in society.
PREAMBLE
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.
