The Prime Minister and the Press
Editor: Iâve been paying very close attention to Dr Gonsalves, since long before he gained the position of the Prime Minister. I have been doing so because he is knowledgeable, trained and highly motivated and he seemed promising. Most Vincentians know or read about his exploits; back in those days, some Vincentians were afraid of him because of his type of politics. Others understood him for what he stood for. There is no doubt in my mind that he meant well, but sometimes I wonder if Dr Gonsalves has a problem with communication, especially when dealing with members of the press.{{more}}
He always wants to have his way. I have had my share of problems with him when it comes to his press conferences. When I ask questions, he thinks Iâm not qualified enough to question him and thatâs why I stopped attending his press conferences.
But I find them to be quite entertaining and very interesting, especially when he is being asked questions by media workers and journalists. The main purpose of having media workers at a press conference is so they can do their jobs and a part of their jobs is to ask questions. But it appears that Dr Gonsalves thinks one should only ask him leading questions. Recent events have shown that it is only when one asks questions that support his government that answers are given, but when questions are asked about his governmentâs shortfalls he gets upset.
Dr Gonsalves must remember that he is the Prime Minister and he must find ways of informing us with factual information. The question many Vincentians are asking is why Dr Gonsalves gets so upset with the press when he gets cornered?
Dr Gonsalves appears to know everything!
Iâm wondering if Dr Gonsalves think, that attacking the media workers is productive. The way he went after SVGBC is frightening and extremely surprising. SVGBC is full of impartiality when comes to reporting and thatâs what expected of them. When it comes to reporting, they should be fearless, regardless to who or what they are reporting about.
Dr Gonsalves is extremely weak when dealing with criticism; he is of the opinion that he must not be criticized.
âWell, you donât have all the answers, Doc!â Not everything is in your grasp; no man knows all. You have to understand that the position you hold as Prime Minister is one with high expectations. As the head of government, you must expect criticism; it comes with the territory. Itâs the manner in which you deal with the criticism which is important. Criticism is used to build othersâ character and to help one work on issues; itâs not used to degrade oneâs intellect in any way.
Dr Gonsalves needs to demonstrate leadership when dealing with the press. Is it fair to say that some media houses are intimidated by Dr Gonsalves? It appears that he takes them for granted; is that so?
Iâm disappointed in recent times by the way Dr Gonsalves dealt with some journalists. Iâm writing from experience. I once wrote an article entitled âBreakfast with the Prime Ministerâ and he took me apart for my writing.
Some questions for Dr Gonsalves: Should the press be afraid of you? Why do you keep attacking some journalists and media workers? Information, combined with facts, should come from the Government so, why is it so difficult to obtain information about health care? Iâm expecting our Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves to lift the standards when dealing with press and media workers and houses. Iâm writing this out of respect, but Iâm highly disappointed with the attitude shown to journalists and media workers by the Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves. Iâm hoping in the future he respects the jobs of the media workers.
Kingsley De Freitas
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