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Last Updated: May 21, 2020 - 11:58:31 AM |
- Fourth Estate is essential to democracy
- PM snub of media is shameful, cowardly and an abuse of power
- FNM Chair attack on DCMO is unacceptable
- Government lacks transparency and accountability
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) believes that the Fourth Estate is essential to the sustenance and maturity of any democracy.
For weeks now, the Bahamian people and the media have been looking for the Prime Minister to answer serious allegations against him and his government. The PM has been avoiding everyone to avoid having to face the public but decided to grant an exclusive interview to the government-owned television station. We strongly condemn the PM's spiteful behavior to snub and exclude private media outlets. The PM’s preferential treatment toward a state owned media house was shameful, cowardly and above all an abuse of power.
To add insult to injury, the invisible National Chairman of the Free National Movement shamelessly attacked the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) for being honest and truthful when interviewed by the media. Why was a public officer and healthcare professional chastised for doing his job? Had the PM – who is also the Competent Authority and the temporary Health Minister or his Cabinet colleagues answered the media’s questions, the DCMO would not have had to. This is unacceptable and a new low in governance under the FNM.
It is now clear to all Bahamians that this government is a stranger to the truth. They lack transparency and accountability. It is indeed a sad day in our democracy, but we remind the government that they can run but they cannot hide from the Bahamian people. Time is longer than rope.
Omar B. Smith
Chairman
Democratic National Alliance
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