VINO Editorial in response to BVI Beacon article on Free Speech
We find it somewhat curious and to some extent hypocritical, however, that the BVI Beacon’s Editor Freeman Rogers, is now circulating an Email to media practitioners claiming that “free speech is being threatened by the Cybercrime amendment” Act.
For the past 10 years and in particular the past eight (8) years under the National Democratic Party (NDP), VINO has been in the wilderness holding the government to account on the issues of free speech and the ability of the press to have access to relevant public information, including the need for a Freedom of Information Bill.
VINO always campaigned for free speech
Many residents will recall that it was VINO that took the lead, when the first Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act was passed in March 2014 where we warned about the deliberate attempt to severely restrict freedom of the press by the then NDP Regime. At that time, we received little or no support from other media houses including the same BVI Beacon, outside of one or two articles.
When VINO for the past 8 to 10 years was calling for accountability and transparency and doing real investigative journalism, the BVI Beacon found it convenient to go after VINO’s esteemed founder, Honourable Julian Willock.
It now appears to us as hypocritical and lacking credibility that the BVI Beacon is positioning itself, as the new voice to protect free speech in the Virgin Islands (VI). In its front-page editorial entitled “Freedom of speech under attack in VI”, they would have one believe that the sky is falling after the Governor's assent to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2019.
While we agree that there are two (2) problematic areas in the Act, where one section levies a fine of up to $500,000 and the other being prison time of up to 14 years for using a computer to send a message that is “grossly offensive or has menacing character” or that is sent “for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience”, we call on the current Administration to further clarify and explain these provisions.
Did BVI Beacon turn its back on the local media?
But where was the BVI Beacon when a former legislator spent 8 years (2011 to 2019) in the Third House of Assembly using his protection in the House, under immunity from a lawsuit, to lambast the media and in particular VINO?
The BVI Beacon did not write an editorial in defense of the media then, therefore, one should seek answers to why not. In addition, when two (2) former legislators were suing the press over accurate and public information, where were Freeman Rogers and the BVI Beacon to be a voice in protecting and advocating for the rights of a free press?
Instead, it seemingly turned its back on the media and, in fact, wrote many articles, which some described as malicious and unfairly criticising the press, in particular VINO.
As recent as last year, the Beacon in an article attacked the Speaker of the House, questioning his role in VINO and casting aspersions on his good name and high integrity, despite public information that clearly confirmed that since becoming Speaker in 2019 his role became limited to revenue and advertising.
Many have claimed that the same article was racist and disingenuous; however, the cries of racism were not endorsed by VINO or its parent company Advance Marketing and Professional Services, as the label could be a divisive tool to distract from legitimate issues. It would also be unethical and inaccurate to label the entire BVI Beacon’s team as such without empirical evidence.
No moral high ground
Our point is, at this time, our media house cannot support the BVI Beacon in its efforts of advocacy, both in Mr. Rogers’ Email of February 16, 2020 and his front-page editorial of Thursday, February 20, 2020.
In our estimation, the BVI Beacon and its editor lack the moral authority to lead such a charge, as they are guilty of attacking the local media and in particular VINO and its founder.
We, therefore, call on someone else in the media fraternity with the moral high ground and integrity to open a dialogue with the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie’s Administration about the legitimate concerns raised, both locally and regionally, in the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2019.
VINO will continue to hold governments accountable and will advocate for free speech like we always have.
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16 Responses to “VINO Editorial in response to BVI Beacon article on Free Speech”
If the Beacon does not have the "moral authority" and VINO does, then VINO take up the mantle; don't attack the Beacon. Two wrongs don't make a right, as they say.
These w88888 goonies runs america please dont let this happen in our little country