EDITOR, The Tribune
THE present, highly-publicsed controversy about the proposed casino licence for Baha Mar, with full-page advertisements and letter to the Editor, is being played out on a slanted stage that should not be provided by an eminent publication like The Tribune.
Today’s “Open Letter to Gaming Board” raises serious issues about the licence applicant Sky Warriors Bahamas Limited and its parent Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, owners of Baha Mar.
This paid advertisment cannot be traced to any identifiable organisation or individuals, only to “Bahamians who want a better Bahamas”. A similar Letter to the Editor today titled “Baha Mar Concerns” is signed only “Watching and Waiting”.
To be blunt, these are communications by writers hiding behind the cowardly shield of anonymity. By contrast, today’s response by Baha Mar is signed by its named President, Graeme Davis.
I take no position as to the factual accuracy behind the claims made by either side in this dispute, or how our Gaming Board should react.
But I strongly object to one side of this significant national issue being allowed to argue anonymously, and I view The Tribune as having abandoned reputable journalistic principles in providing the platform.
I have long objected to the paper’s acceptance of letters signed only “The Graduate” or “The Whistleblower”.
Although they are often interesting and well-reasoned, what reader can have any respect for opinions too cautious to provide their name?
I have been told that, in this small country, The Tribune would lose these writers if forced to unveil themselves, for fear of being “victimised”. So what?
I point out that the distinguished Tribune owner and editorialist Eileen Carron could often claim to have been “victimised” over the years, but that has never stopped her from courageously writing the truth as she sees it.
Why should these modern opinion mavens be given a free ride to write without taking personal responsibility?
The departure of anonymous writers is never a great loss to the public discourse, and would restore The Tribune’s journalistic integrity to the level of The New York Times.
We have plenty of controversial letter writers and columnists who can take their place while providing full personal disclosure.
Baha Mar is and will inevitably remain a controversial subject. Debate should be vigorous, but must be conducted on an open stage without hiding behind opaque screens suggesting hidden agendas.
The transparency of Freedom of Information is not only for Government, it must also apply to any private party wishing to appear in the public forum.
RICHARD COULSON
Nassau
March 29, 2017
Comments
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 7 months ago
This is just another pathetically feeble attempt to stifle the people's voice. Just as you, Mr. Coulson, are quite capable of forming your own views and opinions about the weight, quality and import that should be given to anonymously written material, so too others are quite capable of doing likewise. The same goes for the comments and observations of anonymous callers to radio talk shows. The Tribune has done a good job at adapting to the times, but it's clear you remain trapped in the dark ages. You would be wise to spend much more of your time interacting with younger people. By the way, there must another way can sing for your supper!
banker 7 years, 7 months ago
Anonymity is necessary for two reasons: (1) Because of the tribal nature of politics here, there can be real repercussions in terms of job loss or censure if one expresses an opinion contrary to the ruling kleptocrats and the economic power they wield over Bahamians. (2) The personal views may be attributed to the employer of the person making them. I am bound by anonymity on this forum because my employer demands it. The controversial things that I say are not compatible with some of our clients and my employer doesn't wish to suffer because of my outspoken remarks.
sheeprunner12 7 years, 7 months ago
Anything connected to tourism and casinos coming out of Hong Kong or Macau must be taken with a grain of salt ............ and when you add the fact that the Supreme Court has "sealed" all Bahamar documents from the public ........... just smells like a giant, dead, rotten, white elephant
Porcupine 7 years, 7 months ago
Mr. Coulson, If you have lived in The Bahamas for any length of time you know full well the problems of speaking your mind openly. I would love to have my name printed with my opinions, as I have done in other countries for over 45 years. However, this is a different place. Even a poor reading of the newspapers here, illustrates daily the lack of maturity in this country from the top office on down. Not to see this illustrates a lack of understanding of the social workings of this country. Some of us have jobs here, live here full time and are subjected to the petty politics of getting things done. Not to mention personal safety. In case you haven't noticed, The Bahamas is becoming more petty as the realities of complete institutional failure here becomes more evident. I happen to be of the wrong color. History is replete with examples, which you seem to ignore, of what happens when a country has utterly failed socially and economically. The next step is to crucify the troublemakers, and the letter writers. Did you happen to notice how Sarkis was treated by our PM and Office of Foreign Affairs? Pity he signed his name.
Porcupine 7 years, 7 months ago
Mr. Coulson,
I must further comment on your statement, "The departure of anonymous writers is never a great loss to the public discourse, and would restore the Tribune's journalistic integrity to the level of the New York Times." Mr. Coulson, the New York Times is a mouthpiece for the US elite establishment. There is no such thing as journalistic integrity in the media owned by the millionaires and billionaires. If you followed the facts regarding the human tragedy called the Iraq War, you would know that the NY Times reporter Judith Miller fed us, and the whole world lies. Lies upon lies which were used to justify the illegal, immoral acts and war crimes perpetrated upon an innocent people. If you are so out of touch with reality, or are so soulless as to excuse The New York Times for this gravest of journalistic malfeasance, perhaps it is you who should become anonymous. You lack any credibility in my book.
Reality_Check 7 years, 7 months ago
My oh my, what a small bubble you must live in Dick!
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