ROWLEY, BBC, ARROGANCE & COMMUNICATION.

Someone who has gained the trust and respect of our Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, needs to reach out and counsel him regarding his public disposition and mannerism.  It’s all good if he is not interested in public perception towards him, however, as a nation’s leader, it is generally expected that a significant level of statesmanship be employed when representing Trinidad and Tobago officially.  His public appearance on this matter falls nothing short of perceived arrogance.

Reference is made to the BBC’s report on Venezuelans migrating to Trinidad, and subsequent responses made by the Prime Minister.  “They don’t have to reach out to anybody. Our information was public information………”  Here, Dr. Rowley is suggesting that there was no need for BBC reporters to speak to him or members of his government regarding the migrant situation, however, when information is acquired by other means, he has difficulty in accepting what is reported.  This is unbecoming of a country’s leader. He comes across as, “if you can’t understand what my government has said, screw you”.  There seems to be no consideration for respecting journalists who may be seeking clarification from an official source.

Prior to the registration process, unofficial reports estimated that approximately forty to sixty thousand Venezuelans were already living in Trinidad. These figures were presented publicly by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and others through speculative mediums. The accuracy of this figure was not verified, however, it remained in the minds of most Trinidadians as what it is.
Any judicious reporter, upon engaging in their story, would seek clarification on speculative issues such as those which existed in this scenario. Whether true or false, it was stated that efforts were made to reach members of the government, but they (BBC) did not get through. It is also known that a well-played out game in journalism is to state that efforts to reach the “villain” of the story were unsuccessful. This is when the reporter has an intent of bias and presents a one-sided article.

The Prime Minister admitted that he didn’t know whether the motives of the BBC reporters were honourable, and this statement apparently gives an indication that there may have been reluctance on his part to speak with reporters.  While members of the news team may not have contacted him directly, it doesn’t mean that other government officials were not contacted. It must be taken into consideration, Immigration and Customs personnel are also Government Officers.

When the decision was taken to afford temporary residency to Venezuelans, the questions was asked repeatedly by concerned residents, what will happen after the one year period ended and what conditions would apply. Social Media was ablaze with “activists” inciting scare into the population with very aggressive narratives.  After a few days the Government’s response came that “when that time comes we will see”. 
Sometime after the registration process begun, the Immigration Department publicly stated that laws of our republic have provisions for the Minister of National Security to grant such temporary residency for one a maximum of one year, and thereafter, review said residency with the option to terminate or extend it.  Why this information wasn’t made public at the time the population was notified about the “amnesty” and when certain activists were romping all over Social Media? The general disposition of this Government seems very reactive to situations and is probably the reason for the fuelling of many anti-government marketing.

Within this government there is a Communication Ministry, however, information seems not forthcoming to citizens.  The Prime Minister said, for two weeks his government has placed information out there; did he consider that the BBC story was being prepared much longer than the two weeks he is referring to?
An existing possibility in this matter is, efforts were made to get information from government officials, but because of mistrust, the directive was given not to speak to the reporters. 

This government has been very pitiable with information sharing, and at times it seems as though relevant information has to be squeezed from ministers. It is quite evident from past experience, that gag orders are placed on ministers and government MPs. It is the only logical reason which can explain the total silence of the MPs for La Brea and Point Fortin along with the Labour Minister during the shutting down of Petrotrin. Their constituencies were the ones mostly affected, yet they remained quite silent.
It would appear as if there is vast uncertainty regarding decisions made within the inner cabinet, evoking lack of confidence among high ranking members, therefore, speaking publicly may result in changing stories and subsequent confusion.

Dr. Rowley has to come to terms with the reality that governing Trinidad and Tobago is not like operating a private business. Attention and respect must be given to all sectors. It’s not just how you and your team interpret any given situation, but public perception must also be taken into consideration. Proper Communication is vital to transparency in any organization. Such communication dictates that it’s not only shared “Top Down”, but also reciprocated through questions asked from the ground and responded to by those in authority in a much timely manner.  It also involves presentation on relevant topics of national interest before public outcry.   
It is quite understandable its election season and you may be pumped up for opposing tactics against you.  Let this not be an excuse to miss your mark regarding your duty as a Public Servant.

Featured photo courtesy Newsday.co.tt