Information Minister, Kelvar Darroux, has said that government has no intention of shutting down media houses in Dominica or placing a “vice grip” on them.
However, he pointed out that the media has a responsibility to report accurately and factually.
“The government does not want to place a vice grip around any media house,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday. “The government does not want to shut down any media station or anything like that.”
Recently Darroux said on Focus on Government and Development Radio Program that the government was looking at existing legislation on how the media in Dominica operates to ensure what is being reported is correct.
“We are looking at the some of the legislation to guide the process…” he stated.
The statement created controversy with many saying the government was making moves to suppress the media.
But Darroux said this is far from the truth, noting that Dominica is operating in a democracy.
“We believe that this is a democracy, people have the right to speak but the same time while you have a right speak, you have also have to be responsible for what you are saying,” he explained.
He stated that there are many examples where individuals call radio shows and the host refuses to correct them.
“Clearly we have seen countless examples, where particularly on the talk shows, that individuals would call a program, they would speak their minds and the host of the show would not give the correct information or would not correct that individual if the information the caller is giving is not accurate,” he stated. “And that is what I was speaking about, that is where the responsibility of the media practitioners come into play.”
He noted that it is the role of the media practitioner is to ensure information is accurate and factual.
“I believe moving ahead media house here they have a responsibility because at the end of the day news is not just based on sensationalism, news should not just be based on somebody calling and saying something and you do not have the facts on a particular story,” Darroux said. “So we have a responsibility, and that is the angle I was taking it from, to ensure that the government provide the opportunity for the media to operate in a free society but at the same time to understand its responsibility.”
He noted that the media in Dominica has in fact been doing a great job.
“I believe moving forward the media here has done a tremendous job and should continue to do so in providing accurate information to the public,” he stated. “And I will continue to stand my ground in the statements I made and ensure at the end of the day the media is held accountable.”
Parry, I would ask Kelvar to rethink the statement. PJ was just as popular as Skeritt, he under estimated the love the people of Dominica had for him and made a terrible mistake which he will never forget as long as he lives. The economy is in shambles, their is alleged massive corruption in Government, no new jobs for the young people, nevertheless, the people still love the Prime Minister, please don’t rock the boat.
LET FREEDOM REIGN! SIMPLE! wanting to oppress people will not result in anything good..
Is too much dirtiness going on so media catch them they want to say media must not do this , or say that. If all u doe have nothing to hide let media do their job.
It would appear DNO Admin, has lost my comment or maybe, it sounds to much like a Chalkdust calypso. My comment appeared at number twenty four. So far, thirty eight comments have been moderated, my comment is still waiting to be moderated. If DNO is not satisfied with my comment, delete then, I hate the wait.
Thank you DNO, better late then never.
It’s very difficult to take u guys seriously.
You puff up ur chest and speak so loud without hearing yourself speak.
Now you come saying de same thing using different wording.
Except to give de audience de impression dat you not doing dat just to specifically go after Carlisle, Angelo, Matt and Q95 in general.
Your party has set a record of fighting against de opposition and therefore a large section of de Citizens of Dominica. Fighting against de press. de record is in de open. is we dat feeling it.
Padna i not Dotish!!!!
You said it already and that is de path Skerrit is going to take.
You are de fall guy!!
Take your blows!
Well Mr.Darroux I find it is interesting, if the media is doing a great job then why are you making such statement.
Mr. Darroux
A very ill advised statement! You can’t legislate morality. If people are dishonest they will communicate dishonesty. They will repeat things they know not to be true and continue to do it until they get as many people as possible to believe it. The courts are always there to provide redress for the offended, so that’s the route that people should be advised to take.
You are in real hot water on this one!
what you should be ensuring is that the public and the wider world are given true and accurate information about your Governments stewardship as SERVANTS of the public. If you put out correct information and stop the DLP propaganda then there will be no need for your foolish legislation.
So the guy made a fool of himself on DBS. He was ordered to have a press conference to clear up the matter and he ended up putting himself in a bigger mess.
It would appear that this guy needs supervision and problably should be working under the watchful eyes of a more senior official. The issue is clearly too big for the Minister to handle.
This is the first time i’ve commented on DNO, i don’t live in Dominica but as a Dominican I’m embarrassed that a minister would utter these words. This must be a joke!! Does he understands what democracy means? This is such a clear and deliberate move to censor the press. Wow, i hope Dominicans see beyond the words of this minister. These guys should expand their horizon , in all free countries the government can’t censor nor have a say what the media fact checks.
I’m trying to find out what Dominica promise the Chinese and there’s still no answers, when the government works for the people.. interesting to see if they will get away with in doing this. Layou and St Joe should mos def be a shame of you Mr. Kelvar, they need a leader, not a Dummy, that fight makes absolutely no sense nor would i even put my face on it.
There is such a thing as responsible reporting. The Media is responsible for what is stated on their Radio and TV Programs, Website and in the newspaper. Whatever is stated and printed is also on the world-wide web – Internet.
The rest of the public is also responsible for what they state/comment through the Media. If it is observed that some err they should be corrected.
Those of you who say you know what is in the Bible and you go by the Bible, then practice what is in the Bible.
Our Lord said, “Those who know and did nothing it is a sin and they will be beaten the worst” because they knew. He also said, “If we do nothing, even the stones will cry out.”
We must accord everyone their due rights and dignity wherever we may be and in whatever we do. If only everyone would practice these godly traits and virtues, what a wonderful, happy and peaceful world it would be. I realize some do but there are some who do not. These need to learn those godly traits and virtues.
Residing in a democratic nation of Canada with a democratic government, my discipline and instinct inform me what I can say and not say; the latter, there could be repercussions for making certain statements and against the government.
People must guard what they say. Consider we are Christians. We should remember Our Lord Jesus Christ and St. Paul’s teaching in the New Testament and the prophets in the Old Testament.
Dominicans, West Indians for that matter have been freely accustomed to saying whatever they wish just as composing and singing certain calypsos. Some of them are not accustomed to muzzling their comments. This may be foreign to them as some ignore “Love of God and love of neighbor.”
Minister Darroux is correct. He stopped short of referring to comments on D/ca Websites which we are all aware of. They do read those comments and are fully aware of what is stated.
Take note of what Pope Francis said: “There is a limit to freedom of speech.” Practice it.
The Facts, would you just go away?
I stated in a previous that pretty soon we’ll be asking for permission to speak in public. This administration is trying to put muzzles on people’s mouths.
ONE LOVE
When you elect little boys to do a man’s job, well this is what you get!
To: The Hon. Kelvar Darroux, Sir a word to the wise is sufficient. Please research your Dominican history then you will know that you are backing up the wrong tree. In the late 1960s , the late Hon. E.O LeBlanc tried to pass the shut your mouth act Dominicans stood up as one and it went nowhere and again in 1979 Dominica’s first Prime Minister tried something similar and his government fell. Mr. Darroux you all in this administration is itching to tamper with the people freedom of speech, why. Do you think that the million and one things which need to be done for this country that this is the best thing that you would like to do ? Sir please take my humble advise and leave well alone.
communism! communism.
Let Freedom Reign!
Tell Mr. Darroux to ask N A N Ducreay what happened in 1968 when the then Labour Government tried to pass the Seditious And Undesirable Publications Act.
What a bunch of CRAAAAAAPPPP
Is that what ANY government does……”report accuratcely and factually.” I have yet to see it. Land of liars and thieves, but it isn’t the only one.
When a top ranking labor supporter called the Kamala talk show and tells the listeners that Joshua appeared to have a mental brake down on the streets of Newtown and had to be rescued by a Doctor and she aided and abated the conversation, a vice grip is needed. Arron has not stop writing and talking all that coshonee about Linton since September 2013, a vice grip is needed. When Regie and Skeritt publicly tried to dehumanize Monell, a vice grip is needed. When Linton was having breakfast publicly with some friends in the US and the Abbot and Costello show was reporting for weeks that he was entertaining a young female while his wife was at home, a vice grip is needed. When Linton was accused of exposing Skeritt’s confidential information to the public, when in fact, it was Skeritt’s personal advisor, a vice grip is needed. When a top ranking reporter is called “gel sartie” by a prominent news paper on island, a vice grip is needed…
obviously the Minister has no clue what he is talking about. Have you ever heard of a disclamier or a retracted statemet which can be posted on the news paper that following day on any page and anywhere.
I am perturbed by this threat by Mr. Darroux and the government to pass legislation “to guide” the media. It’s a dangerous move that must be stopped before it begins. It’s taking the country down the road to totalitarianism. This is not the first time free speech has been threatened in recent times. Three years ago, the prime minister said at a public meeting that he would no longer tolerate people attacking the good name of the country under the guise of free speech. Now this from Mr. Darroux. After the prime minister’s threat another newspaper carried an editorial which read in part (DNO I hope you carry it): Many a dictator in the past has threatened those who engage in public dissent. And they always begin by attacking the media and free speech.” We saw it with Lenin when he expelled the intelligensia which challenged his totalitarian tendencies. They were amongst the best known and most qualified people in Russia – philosophers, journalists, academics, teachers.
This minister is very confused! When such unqualified, in competent and unprepared government representatives come before the public they must be explicable, understandable if not eloquent. What a shame not being able to make a case for censoring the media because you will be messing with the conscience of the country.
Best Mr go.American and make full use of his green card go do a bsc, a msc or even a PhD stop confusingplp with your rambling about muzzling the media n Dominicans freedom to express their opinions.
Papa met… He needs to come to america and see what media is all about. Now u want to write a script for media man?
If the future positive development will be in the hands of young people with such unthinkable, backward behaviour, we in for serious problems.
The first statement as Minister of Information, soon after an election, is to forward with, and foolishly bragging in public, the intention to muzzle FREE Speech. The real intention is to manners Q95 and the patriots. Too much corruption is being exposed. They can’t stand the information that Q95 and the patriots are sharing with the people, on the bad governance, secret deals, quick enrichment by greedy politicians and their ilk. Truth is like a thorn in their sides.
That’ is how dictatorship works. We are witnessing the subtle, step-by-step taking of our Rights under our Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The cabal are taking those Rights away. “The country is too Free, said Skerritt” Actions are speaking.
This statement was unwarranted from the good minister. There’s a constitution and we the people just called your bluff. In fact, we challenged you and your bunch of cronies to try and implement these tactics.
Others have tried and they failed in their attempt to set up a “One Party State in Dominica.” Be cognizant of Dominican history and please let sleeping dogs lie. You may have temporarily fooled the masses during the last general election with your various “Vote Catching Schemes,” but all was not lost.
Focus on St. Joseph and help to uplift that community. Stop spewing “Foolishness” on behalf of Skerrit.
I can see clearly that those who are guilty of using the media to do mischief, tarnish character, falsify information and mislead the public are very upset with Mr. Darroux. So those who the cap fit will just wear it.
One question Kelvar: Ever wondered why ISIS is able to send out 90,000 tweets daily and receive replies ten fold and successfully continue to recruit soldiers worldwide?
Kelvar under slavery the black man hadd no say, please do not return Dominica to slavery, by findding laws to shut Dominicans up. Allow Dominicans the freedom to say what they want, if it is wrong then there is already laws to sue the individual for slander but do not come under false pretences to frighten people from speaking their minds. Do not take Dominicans freedom from them, this was hard fought for.
Mr Darroux, you used the word censure, yes youd id! That is directly in conflict with our constitution. Don’t tell me you are following your leader and say that no contitution, no law can stop you! You are in the wrong job young man. Please, grow up and be yourself so we can really respect you even if we can not always agree.
information minister? Who makes this stuff up man!?
Little boys with toys.
you saying it small!
Saying in parliament the opposition leader called the Dominican women prostitutes,which you know very well that’s not what was said.Begin with yourself; you left God and joined yourself with corruption but if you do not repent your fall is coming!!!!!
The government is guilty!!!!!!Begin with your self kelver!!!!!
Kelvar i think you should just stop for now , because i don’t think you are well equip to handle what we the people are coming at you with . please just don’t say anything else on that matter honestly.
Shut up Darroux; because you know that a government can shut down a newspaper or any institution without directly going and place a lock on their doors. The rubbish you spoke about guideline for the press to operate under imply laws will be written specifically to censor Radio, Television, Newspapers, and individuals too!
This is what I’ve ben saying all along; nobody people like you and Skerrit and the rest, believe because you go out in the streets, and shoot off you mouth talking nonsense, and some uneducated people go out willing to vote for you, automatically you all become masters of every science known to man, which simply boils down to victimization of the people of the country.
If we exist in a democracy, the free press must exists. If someone is violate via libel or slander, the courts should be the place to deal with it; however, Skerrit’s intention to muzzle the press, and censor people is wrong!
Kelvar says:
“We believe that this is a democracy, people have the right to speak but the same time while you have a right speak, you have also have to be responsible for what you are saying,” he explained.
Kelvar what about “Got to Hell…..none of your Damn Business….”
Kelvar go clean your house first before you come preaching decency to us….
He stated that there are many examples where individuals call radio shows and the host refuses to correct them.
Mr Kelvar, how many times we have asked for accountability in Dominica and its being ignored…., ,….don`t you have any work to do. We know our rights, leave us alone
To be frank Kelvar. There are a lot of intelligent people out there and being a minister does not automatically make you one of those people. There are lots more important stuff the Government need to focus on to make peoples life better., in terms of being able to build thier own homes, send thier kids to college and earn a sustainable wage etc……….. If there is transparency, and acess to public information (If you understand what that means) then media will have facts. If you pass a law like this you better pass a law to have all government documents, that include emails, letters, text messages, phone conversations and any communication by all public officers done on Government property and on government time, available to the public. No exceptions.
Stop trying to do skeritts dirty work.
Whenever this gentleman talks, he seems so unsure of himself and it looks like he is reciting someone else’s script. He seems to speak from both sides of his mouth. The example he gave is so poor that it tells me he did not really study his proclamations. These folks really do not seem to understand the essence of democracy. So sad.
But lets be fair. Do you really think that this is Kelvar’s initiative. You know he is just being Skerrit’s mouth piece. Where Kelvar get this testicular fortitude from, mister is just a little boy carrying out errands for the man.
As the previous posties stated, why does he not inform his boss that St Joe is in such bad shape that they should be concentrating their efforts on addressing some jobs for all the young men just idling away on the various corners, Additionally, what about the state of the roads to the Layou valley farming areas.
Ask him what he is doing for Layou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please allow me to quote from the FCC website:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) receives numerous complaints that television and/or radio networks, stations or their employees or guests have broadcast extreme, incorrect or somehow improper political, economic or social statements.
The FCC is barred by law from trying to prevent the broadcast of any point of view. The Communications Act prohibits the FCC from censoring broadcast material, in most cases, and from making any regulation that would interfere with freedom of speech. ……
According to an FCC opinion on this subject, “the public interest is best served by permitting free expression of views.” This principle ensures that the most diverse and opposing opinions will be expressed, even though some may be highly offensive.
Now this is Democracy.
Good Stuff Unky.
Their is a legal system in place for redress of libel and inaccurate information disseminated in any media medium. We have proof it is working because Carlisle is suing the Chroinicle, Matt was sued for story by the PM, Lennox Linton was sue by GoVT ministers …..
You all don’t like the outcome of the suit from the legal system as it relates to media and frustrating the legal system from moving media cases forward is not effective because the damage is already done because the story is out..
So now it is time to move to the next level.
Therefore the need for legislation to choke -hold the media…..Let the Media do its work!!!!!!
You are now seeing the dictatorship in place.
Dominica must also review its legislation to ensure that all holders of ministerial posts have a brain of their own so that they are not just puppets who just strut around feeling important while getting the work of the people done.
Kelvar, just shut up! Please!
Nice attempt to walk back Mr. Kelvar. On another rote what do you know about media and the importance of a free media as one of the watch dogs of democracy? Who is pushing you in the fire and hiding behind Kelvar? I must tell you that you are playing with fire young man. Your nice words don’t mean a thing. When you are driving to St. Jo tonight thin about these guys want to use you and in the end destroy you.
Very well stated Mr. Darroux. The role of the media is to educate the public. and not to mislead or misinform. It is high time that examples are made of those who use the media to falsely accuse others or to falsify information. I am sure that when we start to hold the hosts and owners of the media houses responsible for what is aired or printed in the media we will start seeing them owning up to their responsibilities. THANK YOU.
y u doh go and clean d bugs at d pmh we have are right to talk all canot shut up q95
I know right. We’ll follow the Chinese and Russian model of “holding” them responsible. Who is it you fooling? Labourites? They gone already so it’s not neccessary. The rest of us here, unfortunately the minority, not dunce like that.
Really???? “The role of the media is to educate the public..?” You are joking! Media should report on the happenings of the nation, not take sides or be biased, and certainly not try and educate anyone, in any capacity!
Have you ever heard of free press.That’s why there are laws in place to protect people against false info.Use the court system.The media is and should be protected.
Stating the truth is the reason why you got so many thumbs down but pay no mind. Some others as myself also get them. No matter what, the truth must be told. Note the majority of comments for this article which are unbecoming. Some are not worth responding to. The writers will not change for they continue with the same charade.
I have addressed this issue of those who comment on this Website, who have consistently made some innuendos against the ruling Party in addition to those who respond to their comments which displease them and whom they do not know.
Some of those comments are debasing, by no means educating and elevating and should never have been posted. Yet they were. They also project a poor reflection of some of those who comment in this manner.
Another issue is not sticking to the subject matter which has no relevance to it. I have considered that deviation from the article could be relevant. However some sway far away from it This needs to be rectified.
No, the role of the media is to report news, what ever it is, good and bad.
If the media is doing a ‘Great’ job as the minister States .Whats the reason he thinks the Goverment requires legislation
Phone in shows enable citizens to air their views to a wider audience.The host çäñ adjudicate but not suppress .
The Goverment. Already has a VICE GRIP on the information service in Dominica.
You should re-read the article to comprehend what the Minister stated.
As you people have personal opinion just as they comment on this Website. Personal opinion does not necessarily reflect the truth. It could be based on what people think meaning, “This is what I think and it should be correct.” Not always so!
You must consider the issue, listen intently to what is stated, the discussion and the opinion of the callers/writers. This will determine if they are on the right track when they respond.
Some people comment based on their emotions. I will admit that it also takes a sensible person to be aware of this.
You smell a RAT and what was to come.
Dude!! Shut the hell up – its ridiculous – someone calling the talk show – if the the talk show does not know the answer how can he correct the individual ? You are not making sense – bunch of …. running the country
And, in addition, the Government refuses to provide information to the media despite many requests. The PM refuses to hold press conferences at which non-governmental media operators will be present.
So what are you going to do when you determine inaccurate information has been disseminated? You are going to call the commissioner of police to haul the talk show host to jail?
Didn’t the prime minister say just the other day that the feeder roads are in a deplorable condition? Why don’t you guys spend more time focusing on that, instead of stirring up controversy about what people can or cannot say.
Isn’t the hospital falling apart as we speak? Why don’t you and your cabinet focus your energies to fix that pressing problem?
Do you see where I a going with this?
Are you guys trying to create a diversion so that people will stop looking at the poor job you guys are doing governing the country?
I really don’t understand the need to solve a problem where only you and the cabinet think one exists.
I call Bull on that. Communism in the making
Kelvar your confused dude,i really wanted to see how you were going to get this done,think of what you stated,persons call the talk shows,so the host should stop and correct each one.Dude clean up St.joe and get the young men to work,and also the projects you promised
“We believe that this is a democracy, people have the right to speak but the same time while you have a right speak, you have also have to be responsible for what you are saying,” he explained.
Kevlar go tell that to your DLP leader (PM). No one is more guilty than him in this regard. But if you guys still have the overwhelming urge to silence the masses with more legislation because of your incompetencies, then go right ahead. Just be prepared for what the fall out will be because it will NOT be nice. And, in case you have any doubt just ask Mr. Patrick John about how much Dcans appreciate freedom of speech and you will get the message
. I am watching you guys like a hawk!
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
Shameless, I agree with you 100%. To that Minister, may I remind him that we already suffer a kind of censorship or withholding of information from the government, I. e. we still, after so many years have not been told what is written in the MOU with China. What about that?
However, if you are so keen on holding people responsible for what they are saying, why don’t you start with Skerrit and all the Minister, i.e. all those election promises and other promises that where made over the years and where not kept. Isn’t that also a kind of irresponsible propaganda and Skerrit and Co. Should be held responsible for that. Clean up your own house before trying to clean up other peoples houses. My advise to you, forget about that little scermish of yours and put it down to experience. You and your government will not get away with this one!
Ever heard of a disclaimer Mr. minister?
The opinions expressed by… are not necessarily those… and so on and so on…….
Take some time to educate yourself before trying to educate others…