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Alred Frett suspended from ZBVI Radio, no reasons given

- Says he was told Management didn’t like what he was saying
Alred Frett, well known for his outspokenness and his highly controversial topics of discussion, was suspended from ZBVI Radio where he hosts a radio programme, with no reasons given. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI [Posted 8:05 a.m.] – Controversial radio talk show host and columnist Alred Frett, was in for a shock when he was informed on Monday July 16, 2012 that he was suspended from ZBVI Radio with immediate effect with no reasons given other than Management did not like the things he was saying on their radio station.

Frett, a Virgin Islander and local businessman, who is well known for his frankness, said it was hard to believe that the show which he has been doing for over a decade called “British Virgin Production” will no longer be allowed on that radio station.

“This may be hard to believe but witnesses were present when this happened and when I asked whether Management cared I had done nothing wrong while they were denying knowledge and truth to youth of the BVI, they insisted it was just a managerial decision and nothing else was taken into consideration,” Mr. Frett told this news site.

Mr. Frett said they had also promised him to provide written details of his suspension yesterday Tuesday July 17, 2012, but up to last evening, he hadn’t received any.

He said he hopes ZBVI Radio would apologise to him and let the show go on and while he did not receive any response as yet, he is still hopeful for a positive one from them. Meanwhile, he thanked the Management of ZROD radio station for agreeing to continue with the programme at its usual time, 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

“I am most grateful to and for our listeners and all who have tried to assist. Informed truth is a necessity for the survival of our children so I do look forward to ZBVI understanding the importance of this programme in the current and future wellbeing of the people and BVI Territory. I will continue researching and telling truth as

I struggle to remain a 'BV-Islander not for sale',” Mr. Frett said.

Meanwhile, when ZBVI's Manager Sandra Warrican was contacted she referred us to owner of the Radio Station Mr. Merrick Herbert. Efforts to solicit a comment from Mr. Herbert were futile up to publication time.

52 Responses to “Alred Frett suspended from ZBVI Radio, no reasons given”

  • qc (18/07/2012, 08:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh god Mr. Merick this is bad..let the man speak his mind
    • one eye (18/07/2012, 10:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is serious! Where are the other talk shows hosts when they are needed? Have they all sold out? Could you imagine a Tortola without free speech and diverse views?
      • che (19/07/2012, 02:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes its happening,the police state is upon us,Watch "V for Vendetta" if you do not believe me,go on the internet and see how they brought down the Twin Towers through controlled demolition to control your mind. ► 4:09► 4:09 www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIOC1J44RYw
  • xcuse (18/07/2012, 08:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is my BVI coming too where freedom of speech is under attack. We have a dictatorship NDP government where Bevis could not even speak at a graduation, now we got the silencing of Mr. Frett...who is next?? VINO look out!!!
  • mother hen (18/07/2012, 08:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its about time!
  • Judas (18/07/2012, 08:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Well what a shame.
  • HOME GIRL! (18/07/2012, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I honestly dont like to hear Mr. Frett anymore. I used to have utmost respect for him years ago, but somehow I think he has lost some of ideals and the good things he learnt during his youth. He is now condemning what his parents taught him, I just cant stand to hear him dissing the good upbringing that youths in the Virgin Islands had the God-given privilege to obtain. We were blessed by the good things they imparted to us and today we are suffering because we who have become parents did not pass it on to our children. We need to get back on track with our morals.
  • grace (18/07/2012, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is not right to silence Mr. FRETT by arbitrarily cancelling his talk show. A disclaimer will not hold the radio station liable for anything Mr. FRETT or any other commentator says on Mr. Herbert's radio station. But, remember some years ago Herbert banned the playing of a certain CALYPSO? Merritt Herbert is funny.
    • I'm saying (18/07/2012, 10:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      wha happened to the opinions on this show does not necessarily reflect those of management blah blah disclaimer
  • daddy (18/07/2012, 09:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I cry for my country... This is just wrong
    • you wish (18/07/2012, 20:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ME TOO
    • wet well (18/07/2012, 23:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is a part of the widening crackdown on our citizens, next its other talk show hosts who they do not like, then comes academics.... Just another way to frighten opposition on all sides opposing injustice.
  • zeeeeeeeeeeeee (18/07/2012, 09:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wah ah ting BVI getting like Cuba and China…people we need to rise up!!
  • john public (18/07/2012, 09:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this happens when news medias are allowed to be owned by expats
    • Chevrolet (18/07/2012, 10:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      To John Public, if you don't know the history of ZBVI Radio Station, I would advise you keep your ignorant mouth shut. Furthermore, what does his nationality has to do with owning a radion station?? The mentality you have makes the BVI look bad! If you don't know the story behind Mr. Frett dismissal refrain from running your mouth.
  • Shara Parlin (18/07/2012, 10:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Government censoring persons from speaking at a public event now the private sector doing the same! Nothing works in this BVI except the new "censorship bureau"…..
  • Dickson Igwe (18/07/2012, 10:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Freedom of speech and expression are not only foundational to democracy, they are crucial to maintaing a good quality of life, and healthy citizenry. No matter how irritating and irreligious a programme, article ,or posting, as long as it isn't slanderous, it should be allowed on to the public domain and forum. That is a true measure of freedom
    • bigger picture (19/07/2012, 12:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I so agree. in the states they have rush limbough, Hannity, bill O'rielly who constantly bad mouth government with outright lies, but freedom of speech keep them alive. it is important to hear more for an informed opinion. Couple this with the non-profit act where civic groups have to pay for permits, liscence and inforced audits and democracy is in trouble. the non=profits may be made up of community activists wanting to clean the beach or other helpful events. But being government- monitored will certainly discourage non-profits including collecting historical archives from doing their work because they have to pay yearly for permits. the explanation is that the government does not want "terrorist money" to be laundered as if there is evidence that is happening. the Non-profit act discourages anyone from challenging the Government. Consider the non=profit that took them to court over Beef Island. That is what they want to discourage. And now a free opinion on the radio. shame on the NDP and the radio...
  • Flanks (18/07/2012, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem 'krischun' people pressure poor Herbert.
  • Truth (18/07/2012, 11:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    God is not mocked. Everything that rises inopposition will be put down. Mr. Frett has more coming.
  • Eagle and Buffalo (18/07/2012, 12:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to hear from the management of the ZBVI. But freedom of speech and freedom of the press is under attack in the BVI. Political correctiveness, accomodation, revenge, sillyness, patronage......etc is rampant in the BVI. It is ruining the growth and development possibilities of BVI. This behavior, disregard, disrespect.....etc for the press and free speech is akin to the expectations in Cuba, Iran, Laos, China, Vietnam, Russia........etc. What is the common thread running thru these countries? They are not democratic countries; the BVI is. All these countries control the press and look at their quality of life and standard of living. It is an interesting link between freedom of the press and freedom of speech and quality of life and standard of living. Democratic countries tend to have a higher standard of living and quality of life. Do we want to degrade the current standard we currently enjoy? However, if we continue eroding freedom of the press and speech, we will as sure as night follows day. Alfred, like every other citizen or resident or visitor, has the right to freedom of speech; the press likewise has the right to freedom of speech. A free press is vital and critical to the flourishing of our democracy, our way of life. Do we want or should live in a society where individuals and the press. are muzzled. I say no. As Bob Marley opined, "get up, stand up, stand up for your right......." We have the choice to agree or disagree with Alfred's opinions. But we cannot and should not deprive him or anyone else from expressing them. Diversity of thoughts and expression are healthy for any society. Imagine a BVI populace where everyone thought, think, or act alike----dull and boring. The society will stagnate. We are in the mood of celebrating our Emancipation. And a part of this celebration is a Calypso competition. Calypso was born to provide a medium for our oppressed forefathers to expressed themselves. How ironic is it that the restrictions on rights and free speech that our forefathers experienced are also burdening their descendants. Every BVIslander, resident or visitor is entitled to free. speech. And they are also responsible and accountable for that speech. There are libel and slander laws on the book to hold them both. responsible and accountable. Curtailing and eroding freedom of speech and press is an injustice. And as I think MLK said that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. On. 01 August 1834, we shed the dehumanizing, painful, liberating physical chains of slavery. We are currently celebrating the shedding of those chains. But as we celebrate lets focus and commit to freeing ourselves of the mental slavery that replace the physical slavery. We long for the press when we are distressed but cast them to the dung heap once our distresses are relieved. Big up io ZROD for putting freedom of speech before personal preferences or familial ties. What is the TRC role and responsibility in freedom of speech and freedom of the press. General get up, stand up, stand up for individual and press rights. Where is the BVI heading? Where pains my heart. not to agree or disagree with Alfred's opinion.
    • uuuuu (18/07/2012, 23:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This sounds like a waste of blog space "eagle and buffalo"
      • pat (19/07/2012, 12:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        it is probably because you can't read so much and understand it at the same time.
    • Well said (19/07/2012, 10:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with you 100% and your comments are right on the money. If Martin Luther King had not persisted depite the masses trying to silence him, where would we be today. Think about it people. Let us free our minds from mental slavery. Every person is entitled to his or her opinion, we do not have to agree, but we should respect it.
  • she the cat mother (18/07/2012, 12:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI is on the highway to eroding our democracy. What ZBVI did to Mr. Frett deftly sidestepped free speech. As a media house they need to take a long, hard look at that decssion!!
  • Well (18/07/2012, 13:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He talks too much fart so to speak, I do not ever understand what he says sometimes the way he speaks and the things he says is very irritating in his voice
    • Really (18/07/2012, 16:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      There is an "off" button on your radio, just use it. He is entitled to his opinon and or views!
  • bad people (18/07/2012, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shut month don’t catch fly...they were able to close you down AC
  • Good ting dat! (18/07/2012, 14:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ZROD need to fire that JamDown chatter box them got next.
    • LOL! (18/07/2012, 16:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      For real! That dude does chat pure nonsense. bet he could not be a radio disk jockey in JA.
  • ausar (18/07/2012, 20:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have to agree with "John Public" on this one. It's because of a foreigner owning this radio station why these things and lot's that happened in the past to Virgin Islanders(British) on this station will continue to happen. All I will say about the owner is this: THank God he is in the autumn years of his life. Perhaps in the next thirty or so years, we soon won't have to hear the "nonsense" that he spews on the radio. Perhaps sooner."Old Man Reaper" is needed in this case, sooner rather than later! As a matter of fact, when he comes on to host a program, I turn the radio OFF!!! I have forever wondered why in our country we allowed an expat to control ALL of the radio stations in this country. And when Belongers wanted to open radio stations here, that same expat blocked every effort from that happening. I've always enjoyed Alred and it's sad to hear that this has happened. I'm very sure it had everything to do with his land issues and his trying to help those who are suffering from similar issues. Let's hope Mr. Frett can find another medium that he can air his views. Hopefully another Virgin Islander(British)-a real one, not a live-on-island-since-the-age-of-eighteen- type that will open up radio stations that indigenous Virgin Islanders(B)-those of us who can trace our lineage in this country five generations and more- can be proud of!
    • Tony Smith (18/07/2012, 21:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ausar, you sound so simple minded. If the USA operated like how you think we wouldn't have seen a Black President, with an African father. Does everything haVE to be about where someone was born. Get the facts.
    • pete (19/07/2012, 12:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ausar- I agree with you. sad that they have to silence Mr. Frett. Anything different than what the current government is promoting in general, is refreshing to me. I want to hear more opinions of different ideas.
  • Realist (18/07/2012, 20:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You need to know how to use your freedom. It is not healthy how he relentlessly attacks the values of one particular group of people. Christianity is the spiritual culture of these islands and Christians do not deserve to be blasted like this. Why don't he go to a country with a large Muslim population (even a democratic one like the UK or France), attack their religion and see what happens? You must not upset people unnecessarily. He has a right to his divisive opinions, but a private station is not obliged to broadcast them day after day. They have a right to say enough is enough.
    • Disinterested (20/07/2012, 15:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We are not other places; we are the BVI, a sun-drenched tropical paradise, where embracing and respecting the rule of law and promoting freedom of speech and freedom of the press should be a part of our being. Additionally. it is common knowledge that freedom of speech is not absolute. And there are libel and slander laws to make those harmed hold. True, ZBVI is a private business thay may not have same obligation as a public entity. Nonetheless, it is fixture of the community and does have some social or corporate responsibility. And a part of that social responsibility is promoting and respecting of speech even if it offends the rank and file in the ZBVI organization. ZBVI provides a valuable public service;it is a communication medium. Let AC speak. Christianity has been under attack for at least the last two thousand years. And it is still flourishing. As such it can survive any challenge. And I'm confident it can withstand the challenges and grow stronger. God is good at the time; all the time God is God. We must be confident that Christianity will survive and thrive even under withering attacks
  • @@@@@ (19/07/2012, 00:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    it was just a matter of time as the truth hurts and it's a power tool for justice
  • che (19/07/2012, 00:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    GO Alred go create your own radio station/internet radio stain if need be-this might be the way for us to listen-,I am sure politics is involved here as they do not want you to influence their voters, the BVI is becoming a police state and its control will try to control all citizens.The UK is already a police state and we shall become one before long.The politicians are on their knees and you dare to speak the truth,good for you,keep the faith brother we are no longer slaves to the system they are trying to impose.We are free to speak our minds.Get a website going so we can all donate to our freedom,I shall get others to donate through http://www.avaaz.com....your friend and supporter A worthy cause of suppression in a country that is meant to have free speech....
  • xcuse (19/07/2012, 09:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LET AC SPEAK
  • Virgin Son (19/07/2012, 09:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Frett, just stand on a street corner with a mic and tell we what’s up, we will still listen.
  • Diaspora (19/07/2012, 12:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a red letter day for freedom of speech and for a free press in these progressive and enlighthened Virgin Islands. They are both hanging by a thread and needs CPR. This is a dark and troubling period. Much blood, sweat and tears have been shed for freedom of speech. BVIslanders must agitate to protect these rights. Losing freedom of speech is a slow process. But the process has begun. Some We may see the press or individuals as nuisances and inconveniencing at times. Yet a free press and freedom of speech is vital for the health and well being of any progressing society. Research showed that countries that embraced free speech and a free press have a higher standard of living and quality of life, sounder economic management, better governance and lower poverty rate than restrictive countries. The BVI Has had a long Sarltanding religious tradition; it is a Christian territory. We were borned, raised and die with these religious traditions. They have stood the test of time. I do not know what Alred's religious belief is. But what I do know is that he has a right to free speech. And in exercising that free speech if he slanders or libels someone he is responsible and accountable for his action. He has his opinions and others have theirs; let the opinions fly and see which one is shared by the majority of people. We got to have faith in our long held religious beliefs. We should be able to go toe to toe with differing beliefs. If the view of a few rock. and rattle the many off the foundation of their strong held religious beliefs, how much faith, belief or strong conviction did they have.? God put Jobe up to be tested by the Devil. And inspite of many trials and tribulations, Jobe 's faith prevailed. Similarly, Virgin Islanders need to show case their faith in their religious beliefs. We may not agree with Alred or anyone else's views but we should fight to ensure that he has and maintained the right to speak freely. Any Virgin Islander having their right to fre speech curtailed means that all Virgin Islanders right to free speech is also curtailed. We need to live as a democratic territory, not as they live in China, Cuba, Vietnam .....etc. The other talkshow hosts need to break the deafening silence. It may be Alred today but it will be you tommorrow. Are they going along to get along? They need to come to the aid of and support a brother in distress.
  • radio 1 (19/07/2012, 20:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI PEOPLE WE NEED TO DO TO THEM WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THE MIDDLE EAST DID IN LYBIA, SYRIA AND EGITY
  • do not leave it like that (20/07/2012, 00:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Frett you need to write one of these organizations and they will raise money to help you and fight this in court; Reporters Without Borders, The Committee to Protect Journalists and Freedom House
  • usa student (20/07/2012, 08:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the beginning of things to come
  • mary j (20/07/2012, 15:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ask Bevis about free speech recently!! lol
  • DEAD MAN WALKING (20/07/2012, 23:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    FREEDOM OF SPEECH HAS BEEN DEAD FROM TIME NDP TOOK POWER
  • uuuuuuu (24/07/2012, 23:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    them always say do not cry for who gone but cry for who is coming...you all wanted change you got change...


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