Governor mum on conversations about Mika Barry FB page
Who is behind Mika Barry FB page?
While many still have not been able to properly verify the owners and writers associated with the page, it is unclear if any legal actions can be taken for defamation as a result of slander or libel of residents’ names and characters.
In the most recent episode the Mika Barry Facebook page published, there were clearly many erroneous information and false accusations against House of Assembly (HoA) members.
One HoA Member’s Facebook page was even ‘photoshopped’ and a fake message inserted in an effort to justify erroneous claims against that member.
One local attorney speaking to our newsroom noted that unless the owners, editors et cetera of the Mika Barry page are known, it will be challenging to bring a case for defamation (slander or libel) but there is always the option of making complaints to Facebook itself.
Our newsroom was recently informed that independent investigations have revealed that there are at least five persons behind the productions, three living in the [British] Virgin Islands and two residing in Atlanta, Georgia.
‘I’m aware’ of Mika Barry FB page- Gov Rankin
One person who had publicly sworn to bring down the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government as well as its Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) enquired of Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, if Premier Wheatley has sought his assistance to shut down the Mika Barry Facebook page.
Cindy Rosan, who is now presenting herself as a reporter, asked the question during the Governor’s press conference on April 6, 2023.
The Governor was first asked if he is aware of the Mika Barry platform.
Bowing his head and with a smirk, the Governor responded, “I am aware of it.”
Rosan then claimed she had a question that was asked by the public.
“Did the Honourable Premier approach you to shut down the Facebook page?” She asked.
Appearing to struggle for words, Governor Rankin said: “I am not going to start discussing conversations which the Premier and I have one way or another, and you shouldn’t draw any inference from that.
“What I do say in relation to any media is that I believe in a free media but I also believe the media should be responsible in what they publish,” the Governor stated in a generalised response.
Did the Governor drop the ball?
Neither Rosan nor the only other reporter present at the press conference asked Mr Rankin whether he was in support of the Facebook page or not or whether he would order the police to find out who are the elements behind the controversial and productions that have been causing reputational damages.
Many feel the Governor should have seized the opportunity to condemn the Facebook page.
36 Responses to “Governor mum on conversations about Mika Barry FB page”
LMAO!!! So right though. I've been asking myself when and how she became a "journalist". Well sah!
Appearing to struggle for words, Governor Rankin said: “I am not going to start discussing conversations which the Premier and I have one way or another, and you shouldn’t draw any inference from that."
The Govenor has condemned his own self with his response. This is the same kind of response he gave when the COI was ongoing, and everyone stated that the outcome of the COI was already known before it started and that the current actions would have happened. The Governor said to the public not to read anything into the COI as it is only a report, but we will sit and discuss a way forward.
He lied then, and he is lying now.
1) Who determined the terms of reference for the COI and how were they derived and did the actions violate the Constitution of the BVI?
2) Who determined the terms of reference for the hiring of the Commissioner of the COI and how were they derived?
3) What process was used and by whom in the hiring of the Commissioner of the COI and was it a tender and was it transparent?
4) Produce what was written to the UK to justify the request for approval for a COI?
5) Who selected the staff that worked with the Commissioner of the COI and were they people from the same UK office of government as the Governor?
6) How come the Commissioner of the COI had more authority than the courts?
7) Why was it a one-man UK commissioner for the COI rather than a 3-person commissioner to allow for balance and remove prejudice by having one commissioner from the Caribbean, one from the Uk, and one selected either by the UN, CARICOM or OECS? This would have been transparent, reflect good governance, and create balance.
8) Where is the report from the UK Attorney Cox that was working with the AG's Office on behalf of the people of the BVI and our rights as every story has 3 sides, yours, mine, and the truth?
9) Why can't part or all of the COI be challenged in court as it is clear that some of it is extremely bias and collusion may be possible to derive?
10) How can the Govenor failures be looked into locally and by whom?
I will stop there for now, but these are serious questions that need answers because although the Governor, UK Commissioner of Police and the other UK Official thinks otherwise, we the people of the BVI have rights and they need to be protected. An Order in Council is modern day slavery whip and should not be seen as nothing else. Anything that makes a one man (Governor) above the judiciary and people is a slavery whip. Those who hate the BVI will see these concerns as foolishness but those who love true justice will see them as wise.
I am voting only for those who will get these answers and act on them.
I for one will not be entertaining said page because the information provided there is not credible, and especially in this very critical political time, it is nothing more than a distraction bait, and the masses fell for it hook, line and sinket. Curiosity kills the cat, featuring politcians in the peak of election time, cleverly done, well done. But the question is WHAT are these people trying to HIDE? What's with all these distractions?
No.matter who gets in, is blows all around, STOP being distracted and remain focus on the elephant that is in the room. Mike Barry have zero to valuably contribute to the conversation.