Minister Dolores not Happy with 7 News over “Irresponsible” Reporting

The Ministry of Human Development and the National Women’s Commission wrote to the General Manager of Tropical Vision Limited (Channel 7) last week expressing its discontent with the reporting of a sexual assault case from southern Belize that is under investigation. In the report, explicit details of the offense allegedly perpetrated against the female victim were broadcast and is being described as a re-victimization of the victim. Minister Dolores Balderamos-Garcia says they are limits to freedom of information and expression and she is not pleased with that media house. Today, she spoke about the incident and said that they are seeking the advice of the Belize Broadcasting Authority.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

“There is a difference between accurate and responsible reporting and turning everything sensational in sort of a tabloid way. And I will try to be kind to Mister Vasquez, but we honestly believe and we have proof of this that that kind of sensational reporting can do more damage than good. The public has a right to know and so the journalists have a duty to tell, but there are limits to freedom of expression and there are limits to how you report things. I can tell you, please – I may be stepping a little over a little line here – but I can tell you that the damage that has been done and we are well aware of this and the special envoy herself can tell you the damage that has been done because of that particular report is grave because what it does it further victimises and re-victimises the person who suffered the injustice. The young lady is suffering and doesn’t even want to come out of his house. Now you are telling me another version of the thing. I can’t speak to that because I don’t know that to be so. I am upset about this and you can go and speak to the Broadcasting authority themselves, but really, we have found that Channel 7 has gone too far in terms of this kind of reporting at times.”