Given certain events within the recent past, it ought to be clear by now that a democracy cannot survive only on two political parties opposing each other and a largely quiescent body of voters. A free Press is essential.
The result of the last election here has left the Government with a slender two-seat majority which is imperilled if anyone member of the Government side of the House decides to support the Opposition.
The result is that there is a heightened sense of interest in what goes in our political system and comments abound, sometimes largely misinformed, about the rules of our governance. Naturally, the politicians have sharpened antennae and the role of the Press as mediators and purveyors of news and opinion is more constantly under the microscope and very often, the whiplash of the politicians.
In these situations the role of the Press as watchdogs of our democracy becomes critical, and an immense responsibility rests on our shoulders to be fair and fearless in the execution of our duties; for the role of the umpire or referee is different from that of the player. The Press must retain the right to issue a political yellow card or red card, as we see fit.
Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite graced us with his presence and addressed our Editors’ Forum on Wednesday last. We applaud him for his commitment to democratic ideals, since he ventured into what he seems to have regarded as a lion’s den of sorts for he declared boldly that he does not think this paper supports his party. Yet, he stated that he recognised “the importance of the media and our relationship”.
We also congratulate him on recognising that mutual respect fuels the symbiotic but adversarial relationship which should exist between the press and the politicians. Thus is the public interest best protected.
Where we parted company with our distinguished guest was when he declared concern about the extent of what he calls the “control” the parent company of this organisation has throughout the region and its potential impact on a “small democracy”.
He said: “The bigger question is really should be whether or not in a small democracy like ours, including the region, whether or not we should not be concerned about the extent of control of your owners with the media in the region … I really mean that ….”
The naked reality is that democracy requires an independent and fearless media, and the media’s survival is best guaranteed by a regional approach. In this respect we are in a very real sense our brother’s keeper since we are all affected in many significant ways by what happens in our neighbours’ very small backyards.
The business of media is very high risk, and while we accept that with power there is a certain responsibility; by helping to ensure that there is a free sustainable regional media, we are serving the highest ideals of our democracy in these miniscule democracies.