Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis addresses BIS and ZNS management and staff earlier this month. Photo: Kristaan Ingraham/BIS
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis Thursday told management and staff of Bahamas Information Services and the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, also known as ZNS, that they will be held accountable for their performance, professionalism and punctuality or lack thereof.
Dr Minnis said his administration has “freed up” the BCB so that its employees will be able to conduct business in a fair and professional manner.
“I don’t care whether you voted for me or not, that is immaterial,” Dr Minnis said, according to a release sent by BIS. “Be professional, be transparent and be honest with the public. The chains that were on you yesterday have been broken.
“I don’t care whether you are PLP or FNM that is not my business. All I want is professionalism. I expect for you to do your work in a professional manner and to be fair to all. Once that is done, we will have no problems.
“If you deviate, then we will have problems and that is not victimisation. That’s real talk. I don’t believe in victimisation, but I believe in professionalism and performance.”
Addressing staff members of both government bodies for the first time since being sworn-in as the fourth prime minister of an independent Bahamas, Dr Minnis said both institutions do not have to concern themselves with political interference.
“You will be given your independence and you will be pushed towards a public broadcasting corporation. As an independent institution, as politicians, we will not interfere and if any member of my party calls you to tell you to do something that’s not professional, don’t do it. Inform me and he or she will be no more.
“If you do it, you and he will be no more. The Bahamian people only ask for fair play,” he added to a round of applause.
Dr Minnis also took the opportunity to re-introduce Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, parliamentary secretary of information and communication in the Office of the Prime Minister, to staff at the BCB and to introduce her to BIS staff.
Mrs Parker-Edgecombe is a former journalist who worked for ZNS’ Northern Service.
“You know her very well,” Dr Minnis said. “She is one of you. She came up through the system with you and I am sure you both will get along very well. She knows the direction you should take, she understands your language and she will teach your language to me and at the end of five years presumably I will know your language.”
Dr Minnis ended his conversation with staff at both institutions the way he began it.
“I want to close by saying I only require one thing – professionalism. Do not bring your politics here,” he added.
Comments
birdiestrachan 7 years, 5 months ago
Is doc serious Ms Parker was a woman that read the news, not exceptionally well. but OK how is it that suddenly she is so knowledgeable and knows the direction ZNS should go. There are persons there with so much more knowledge.
It is all about the politics. Not what I know it is who I know. come on doc be real. ,
TalRussell 7 years, 5 months ago
Comrades! It's a good and positive message coming directly from the PM to ZNS staff - but I wanted the PM to close by saying - I only require one thing – professionalism - none of you should aspire to become Landlords to the government's owned ZNS - , don’t do it. Inform me and he or she will be no more working here up at ZNS, or remain a Landlord to government.
sheeprunner12 7 years, 5 months ago
If Minnis serious about what he is saying ........ He needs to divest the government of the control of the ZNS Board and appointment of its Chairman etc ......... and allow ZNS to function like Canada's CBC or Britain's BBC .......... Until he does that, he is pandering ........ Case in point, what has happened to Diana Swann and Doc Thompson????? ....... Why appoint a rookie MP with limited experience in media management to oversee ZNS and BIS???????
THIS LOOKS LIKE PAYBACK ............ AND NOT UPGRADE ........ TALK IS CHEAP
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