U.S. issues statements on Freedom of the Press
There was a lot of violence over the weekend, including three homicides and we’ll have coverage of that. But we go first to an issue that is of great importance to this independent station. On December seventh, the government announced the suspension of normal relations with Channel Five. Government ministers and public officers are no longer allowed to speak to us even on mundane or rudimentary matters. It is a most unparalleled move for a modern and democratic society where the Constitution provides for the freedom of speech and the press, which has a solid history of operating freely without suppression. A number of organizations view government’s decision with concern and have already publicly said so. Earlier today, the United States issued a statement on the freedom of the press. It states that the press becomes a target of those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency.
It reads: “The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the U.S. and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalized in society. The U.S. commends journalists around the world for the important role they play, and for their commitment to the free exchange of ideas.
The U.S. in particular salutes those in the press who courageously do their work at great risk. The press is often a target of retaliation by those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency in democratic processes. Journalists are often the first to uncover corruption, to report from the front lines of conflict zones, and to highlight missteps by governments. This work places many journalists in danger, and it is the duty of governments and citizens worldwide to speak out for their protection and for their vital role in open societies.”
The purpose and intent of this release comes in the context of the censorship of this station. Click here to view full text of the US Embassy’s statement.
It is true that government should be all those things and more in defending the freedom of the press but not if that same government is the type that wishes to conceal their actions from the people and that same government whose leaders lifestyle and legacy depends heavily on making sure that its citizens are marginalized so that they can have more for themselves.
Finally America is speaking out against this over controlling dictating PM. He seems to forget that he lives in and is governing a democratic society. He gospel is according to Dean Barrow. Good job Dean you are now numbered in the family of dictators, are you a Hitler in disguise or the Castro of Central America.
What is right, is right. At least you know you are doing a great job Channel 5. Statement is so clear.
I agree with both Al and rootsman, everyone should have known about Dean Barrow before they elected he always felt that he was above everyone and does not like the little people who put him in power, hopes he does not get reelected.
I Thought that the D in “UDP” stood for Democratic but it seems that the actions of the PM and his party are different. Remember Actions speak louder than words so with the recent actions of the government maybe they should consider changing the D that once, in the past stood for Democratic to Dictatorship Party. The UDP “United Dictatorship Party”!!! I know i am venting my fustations but its just that i always want to right to be able to express myself freely and i don’t like the direction we are heading into. It is a good thing to be faithfull to your party but not to the extent where your personal freedom of expression is monitored, sensored or taken away.
Traditionally Belizeans have long been silent and most went un-heard for decades, times have since changed and the people will no longer be ignored, or silenced.
The GOB should be ashamed to call themselves leaders for even in the new age their only method of positive change for Belize is to silent its people.
The Government is clearly declaring war between them and the people they swore to protect and lead by silencing them, this will never happened and we as Belizean should cling to this as our birth right privileges.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH, WHICH IS OUR BIRTHRIGHT AS BELIZEANS
A wonder why the same cannot be said for WIKILEAKS:-( No watch me…Watch u self!!! Don’t watch Belize…watch your own censorship of democratic media!!!
Dear Viewers we are creating wiki leaks version of Belize. We will do ur best to keep you informed of all the corrption of the Belize Government, if its PUP or UDP.
The government have forgottent that there is a general election in just over 2 years – just as quickly as they (As do the PUP) forgot all of their manifesto promises….. Only time will tell, and hopefully the next elections will prove the downfall for the two party system, and we’ll have some fresh blood in Belmopan. who knows, the new blood might, by some miracle, remember their promises, and that they were voted in to serve the people, and not the other way round.
Heck – it’s Christmas, we can only hope & dream!
Let channel 7 news allow comments to be written in their enews like channel 5. lets us see the difference of opinions if there is one..
Whatever happened to the seized cocaine?
Mr Barrow if you did not want to be accountable to the people you should have lend your hands to a different line of work. I expected much more from you and your government. Freedom of the press is paramount in any democracy!
It is simple if you want to hear better news do a better job!
Dissent is the best for of patriotizm!
It must be that all the politicians are financially healed, or will be by the time the next election comes around, because how can the rest of them go along with such a stupid decision if they expect to be re-elected? Supposidly, in the majorty of counsel there is wisdom, but these guys must be all hypnotized. What a major political blunder on top of all the other serious mist steps by this government.
Belize is not a free country,get real belizeans,to ellect,or vote for educated criminals with a law degree as honorable ministers,is not freedome.and thier is no such”INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS’ in the media in belize.why?they are own by some politician.just lke the spanish lookout oil,
Why does de us gov have to say about wikileaks and censorship….how can you say stop smoking when you are holding a cigar.
By what i read here,its cleary the opinions are of those who are pup or udp deciples.that red & blue poison still runs in the belizean blood,they cant see pass the trueth,that both parties in belize are noting more than a mafia in power.for over a 100 years the pup gets in power,thieves,gets out,the the udp gets in,does the same thing,and gets out,and its over and over again,and still belizeans dont get it.what will it take for them to get it?