The right to reply

THE EDITOR: In an age of information overload and fake news, there is an irrevocable responsibility for issues in the public domain to have a two-way flow of responses. The recent issue of the invitation by the People’s Republic of China to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and its change to an official visit in 2018 is one such issue.

A curious look at some individuals in the public domain registering their personal opinions without the relevant information on this matter is cause for concern. Popular radio hosts jumping out the blocks to speculate on this issue was expected as they tackle current issues openly with harsh judgements on local politics.

Offering a seemingly prejudicial opinion on the China scenario was former minister in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne. His analysis based on speculation on the issue led to an uniformed statement on both social media and his talk show.

Browne, as an “on paper” member of the PNM, appeared green, as a politician, when he claimed TT no longer holds its diplomatic weight, our economic significance has diminished and we were snubbed by China. Although his current status is insignificant to cause any change in the nature and importance of TT’s relationship with China according to Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young, the statement was still reckless and irresponsible at best.

Former diplomat Reginald Dumas followed suit with his commentary, which was void of any significant evidence on the matter. His “I don’t know, but...” commentary seemed as though he could not let the opportunity to take the spotlight pass and therefore Dumas just had to say something when contacted, but again, without any concrete knowledge of the situation at hand.

The right to respond must be an opportunity given to those involved in an issue to maintain the high standards expected by journalism and democracy.

China has issued a diplomatic note to replace the original high-level meeting with an official state visit. This is the highest level of visit offered to a visiting prime minister as explained by Minister Stuart Young. Let’s hope next time, such people get the facts, allow persons the lawful right to respond and make sensible criticisms and contributions that can take our twin-island republic forward.

Ronald Huggins, St Joseph