New radio talk show ‘Things to Talk’ comes on air
He was part of a panel discussion on the brand new talk show 'Things to Talk' hosted by Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru on ZBVI 780AM last evening June 1, 2016. Rogers cited instances where the Freedom of Information law would be vital to journalists in the territory.
On the show Rogers pointed out that in some South American countries it can be very dangerous to be a reporter. “You get physical threats, you get all kinds of problems and in the BVI we really don't have that sort of thing.”
Rogers added that “It is important [to note] that we do have our challenges here and there and it can be difficult to get information from Government...it can be difficult to get information from businesses or anybody...at times we do struggle with getting information and sort of the pressure of small town journalism. But I think we are allowed to operate very freely in the BVI and there is a landscape that allows that to happen.”
To gain better access to information, Rogers said one of the things that he and others in the territory have advocated for is the Freedom of Information Act, which he said would allow for the public to gain access to information that is in the public's interest.
He noted that the Law Reform Commission had back in 2004 recommended and drafted a Freedom of Information Act but it never made it to the House of Assembly to be made into law.
Citing one example of the usefulness of such a piece of legislation, Rogers pointed to the studies and other documents related to the proposed expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway.
‘Things to Talk’
'Things to Talk' is a new hour-long, live call-in radio show. It is expected that Julio 'Sam' Henry, Khoy Smith, and others will make regular guest appearances. It will be aired every first and third Wednesday of every month.
According to Wheatley, the purpose of this show is to provide yet another platform for the people to discuss the affairs of the territory.
Guests with expertise will regularly be invited on the programme to provide credible information and perspectives that the audience can benefit from, he said.
Wheatley said 'Things to Talk' will draw on media reports, government statements, and other information disseminated locally and internationally to bring more focus to issues like good governance, education, infrastructural development, crime, health, economic development among other issues.
“There have been several studies in the past three or four years about the airport expansion project...cost/benefit analysis...business case...just lots of information as to what are going to be the advantages of the airport. What are going to be the drawbacks to the airport?” he said.
“We don't know what is in the studies because they haven't been made public.”
The host of the show, Wheatley said the business case for the airport expansion is something that he has been asking for from “Jump Street.”
“We want to know how much it is going to cost and we want to know whether it is going to be profitable, at what point it will pay back the money,” said Wheatley.
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