POLITICIANS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC

[00:00:01] Speaker A: The best insight, instant feedback, accountability. The all new Talk Radio Freedom 106.0. [00:00:08] Speaker B: We are getting sent to chat with the gentleman known as Priya Bihari, the editor in chief of AZP News and also the president of the Media association of Trinidad and Tobago. MATT 1 I didn't know. The only other president I knew after that was Daily Knock when he was the President many years ago. You as the President, I'm at Norwich. Prior Behary and Prior, welcome again to the Morning Rumble. [00:00:34] Speaker C: Thank you very much, Davy. It's always a pleasure to be here. Actually my second time. I thank you again for having me here. It's always a pleasure. So what is it you would like to discuss with me this morning? [00:00:50] Speaker B: Well, this morning we discussing for sure nothing. You know, it will be remiss of us if we didn't discuss the fact that the Prime Minister has been visibly absent since her last chat with the media or any sort of press conference with us. It's a year, an anniversary came just about 48 hours ago or 72 hours ago, a few days ago, the anniversary of the Prime Minister hosting a press conference and being visibly present to take questions and field questions. You know, I want to get your thoughts to how you feel as a editor in chief. You know, it is very crucial at these press briefings where we can speak to those in authority, ask them the relevant questions, don't have to second guess information. It's coming directly from the horse's mouth. How do you feel as a news gatherer yourself that the absence of the Prime Minister so visible, we don't hear from her? [00:01:47] Speaker C: Of course it's very important to have a press conference to deal with issues of national importance and the public's interest. But before I say that, I want to say that there is really no big issue between the government and the media in Trinidad Tobago. I mean people are making this out into something that is not, you know, it's a simple thing. We would like to have the Prime Minister available at a press conference, a formal press conference, to ask questions, to talk to her, to ask her to have follow up questions. And that is all part of the cut and thrust of a democracy. When we work and we live in a democracy, freedom of the press is important. But also using the press to scrutinize the media has to scrutinize all the arms of government. And, and anyone, you know, when I say the arms of government, I mean the, the executive of course, which is the government, the legislature, the mps, and of course the, the judicial, the Judiciary, these are all arms of the government. These are all people who use this public purse. So they have a right to be accountable. And we are the body, we are what we call the forte state. So we have a right to scrutinize them, to talk to them and ask them questions on behalf of the public. And that is all that we want. [00:03:08] Speaker B: When I look at the fact that one person said to me last week that the Prime Minister rather show up once the Prime Minister is performing. But before we get to that, let's take this call quickly and respectfully. Good morning. [00:03:18] Speaker C: Morning. [00:03:19] Speaker B: Join the conversation. Good morning. Hello. [00:03:23] Speaker D: All right. [00:03:24] Speaker B: If you wish to join the conversation, 625-2257 and 6273223 is the number and you can WhatsApp us at 3061065 as well. Hello. Good morning. [00:03:34] Speaker E: A pleasant good morning Devi. A pleasant good morning priority. [00:03:38] Speaker B: I realize I didn't hear from you this morning. [00:03:40] Speaker F: Good morning Davy. I. [00:03:43] Speaker E: Whereas press conferences is important and the press from time to time will need to interview the government, I do not think the person that has to be interviewed to get information has to be the Prime Minister. Any senior person, any senior member of cabinet who has the authority of the. The Prime Minister has the authority and I'm sure being a cabinet member has the know how and all the information that is needed for the public and the media as a whole, I am feel sure that they will have all the information and the only thing that might differ is the views of the Prime Minister when a question is asked by a journalist. But I think that all the information is needed. Whomsoever is representing the government, they will have that information. I thank you. Enjoy. [00:04:33] Speaker B: I beg to differ. Good morning. [00:04:36] Speaker F: Morning Daisy. And morning to your esteemed guest, the President of mad Prior. [00:04:40] Speaker C: Good morning Prior. [00:04:42] Speaker F: A couple months ago I made a Facebook post where I stated that the fourth estate, the landlord has abandoned the fourth estate because I felt that the media needed to be part of the pushback that is to take place in this country when our rights or fundamental rights are more than in pin support. Because it would appear to me that we are living in a state where soon they will declare that there will be no protests on land in this country and you may have to rent a party boat and circumnavigate the country with your placards and your mannequin to drag and all of that in order to make a protest in this country. And the fourth estate needs to push back because this is not what we signed up for on April 28, if the present administrator of the country does not understand that democracy requires that the individual who gave you that job has an opportunity to petition their government to tell them we believe that you are going in the wrong direction, then they have no right to be in the job. And the fourth Estate need to make that clear because somehow the other I believe, believe to myself was SA 10 days ago when you had a situation where clearly the Prime Minister was making statements in relation to policing activities which send a shiver down your spine and shades of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, the Express had something to say about it. But they must be there, they must be present. You are all part of the democratic process that makes a nation. And I'm hoping that you, you remember your responsibility and the fourth Estate is more present in this situation. [00:06:39] Speaker D: Thank you. [00:06:40] Speaker C: Yes sir, thank you. I, I, that's one of the reasons I think I, I'm here today because Matt, we are just asking to be able to just ask questions on behalf of the public to the government. By and large we have had access to members of the government. It's just that in certain instances we find that we have not been invited to certain events, I.e. events hosted by ministries. The media didn't get an invitation. Of course that is something in a democracy when you have a ministry that is using taxpayers dollars, state resources, I mean we should be there to scrutinize and to ask questions about what is taking place, especially when a state resource is being used. And that is all we ask. I mean we are not judging because it's not for us to judge. In other words, we go there and we report what happens accurately. And it would also, you know, benefit the government because if they have a certain policy, if they're doing something and we are there, of course we will report it. And that gives them, you know, a sense of legitimacy in terms of what they are doing. That is all we ask for. [00:07:46] Speaker B: You know, the thing for me is Kyreni Central mentioned that the other political luminaries, the other governmental agents and the different arms of the government would be privileged with information through the Prime Minister speaking the same tune, beating the same drum. But are we to trust that or is it an interpretation of what they are saying to us? Maybe the Prime Minister would have said, okay, when they get to the podium, you know, let's let the public know that we, we, we go and fix this, we fixing that. I mean, we getting second, secondhand information. [00:08:21] Speaker C: No, no, in our second hand information. What happened when we have press conferences and they are one or two ministers, they always say they have to stay in their lane so in other words they don't have information what we would want to ask, you know for example, the, the Minister of Housing cannot answer national security issues, for example so. So you know we. But if you have the Prime Minister for example she, she is the chairman of cabinet so she's the head of the government so she'll be able to answer anything we want to ask because you know, she's in charge of everything and she is privy to everything. So that is basically what you want. And there are so many issues we, we have outstanding. When I say outstanding that has happened and we actually need some comment. I mean of course we could get a comment from a minister and we do sometimes and, and that is fine but you know, sometimes we need to hear it from the head of the government and it's something that we find is lacking right now. [00:09:19] Speaker B: Hello, good morning. [00:09:20] Speaker D: Morning gentlemen. [00:09:21] Speaker B: Good morning. [00:09:23] Speaker D: Is it that the Prime Minister has not had a cabinet press conference for probably a year? [00:09:30] Speaker C: Yes, yes. [00:09:31] Speaker D: So Davy, what do you expect from the citizens? Our, our print media ratings has dropped, isn't it so internationally Is there a written agency that reads our printing let's say like papers And I saw somewhere. [00:09:52] Speaker C: Do you mean that the print media, the hard copy, you know they are going out of business and I was. They. They are not a bit viable now isn't that what you mean? [00:10:03] Speaker D: Well I'm asking what is the reason? Not, no, not, not that they are going out of. Not that they're going out of business. There's an international rating agency that does rating on print media and for the past month I've saw that Trinidad there was. Their ratings came out stating that Trinidad Let me say we are. There are 10 the ratings is 1 to 10 and let's see, we are 5. We have dropped from 5 to 8. So I'm saying is, is it that seen that the Prime Minister hasn't been. And I saw you in several press conferences and it seems as though the media is somewhat under attack because of. I, I heard people calling people in [00:10:44] Speaker F: the Guardian pnm Where are you going? [00:10:47] Speaker B: Where you're going, where are you going? [00:10:50] Speaker D: It seems as though the government is attacking the media for asking questions Davy. [00:10:56] Speaker A: That's why I'm. [00:10:56] Speaker B: But, but that been happening long time. [00:10:58] Speaker D: No, no, no no no no no no no not in the rate. Not at the rate, not at the rate it seems at this taking place it seems as though the government is trying to silence the media pal. [00:11:09] Speaker C: Pa all right. [00:11:13] Speaker B: Thanks very. [00:11:16] Speaker C: This interview, we had written the Prime Minister a letter. I mean, we didn't release it, but I saw the Guardian got a copy and released it yesterday and Sunday. And we clearly stated that we don't think the media is under any threat in this country. I mean, the point is we are fair to report what we want, you know, when we want, you know, we continue to report anything we want. Right. You know, basically within the confines of the law, etc. And we continue to do that. So the only issue we're having is maybe access in certain areas. And I want to make the point again that the Prime Minister has made herself available in certain instances. She has spoken to us before she goes into Parliament. There are certain functions she was at that she did stop and speak to the media. But we just want a formal setting in which we could have a formal press conference where we can have follow up questions where we can access certain things, you know, unscripted for press conference. [00:12:15] Speaker B: All right, Bartaria, tell us the rating agencies that, that you're talking about. Another texter says back in Rowley era Buffin and belittling media was on the menu. [00:12:27] Speaker C: We, you know, people say that, but we continue to do our job. We ask you questions and if people don't like it, Dami, that's fine. I mean, did you say that Dr. [00:12:37] Speaker B: Rowley was buffing the media? [00:12:39] Speaker C: He had a different style, you could say, you know, so we was aggressive. We come to accept that and we act, we continue to ask the question. I don't think that has stopped any member of the media who has interviewed him. You know, stop them from doing their job and they continue. And whether, you know, his style is that, I mean, we go ahead and we continue to ask you questions, you [00:12:59] Speaker B: know, and this nuance about media and Guardian is a PM and watch me, we hear that all the time. Once you're not speaking a narrative that they could accept that mean you is that or you is the opposite. Right? I continue to clamor any political entity that believes and prior to me, if I go in, of course here or your thoughts, any political entity that believes that this station is not in alignment with their policies and procedures or their agenda. Should this shy away from coming for an interview here or should this be the primary focus? Let me sit on that very tough program because already the other programs already buy into me, but this one, boy, you have an audience and they seem to be not understanding my agenda. We have political entities, both sides, UNC and pnm that refuse to come in because at one time or the other they feel we bias against them. [00:13:53] Speaker C: What do you think that that is true? I mean people say all sort of thing about Matt now, you know, say all sorts of things about me now. But that is part of the course and it happens no matter who is in power. I mean it happens all the time. It happens not only in Trinidad, it happens everywhere. You know it happens in America, it happens England. [00:14:11] Speaker B: Did you, were you aware that the last administration handpicked people to come and do well to attend press conference? Did you last minute you're aware of that? That they were saying that even like right here in Guardian media Akash couldn't really. No, according Akash as an example. I'm not saying that he was banned. [00:14:29] Speaker C: That is a serious issue. I mean I, that that shouldn't be allowed. I mean, yeah, you know we, we, you know in media you cannot tell us who to send to interview. [00:14:39] Speaker B: Well that's it. [00:14:40] Speaker C: You can tell us what questions asked. And I have to say this in all the interviews, the press conferences I've been to, you know both pnm, unc, no one has ever told me or told I, I don't I've had any complaint from any member the media saying that we shouldn't access or we can't access. I mean you know they have refused to answer. Yeah they could of course, I mean but we asking. So that's the point I want to make. I mean people think that there's this big conflict but there's no big, you know, schism between the media and the government. Now we just doing our jobs and the government respects that and if it is, we want to talk to Prime Minister so we want to talk to Prime Minister. If you want to talk to a Minister we want to be at a function. It is our right, it's our duty under the constitution and freedom of the press to want that. And that is all we're asking for. We, we not vexed. We, you know, we're not caroling. We, we don't think anything, we just asking. We, we are not demanding, we're just asking that. [00:15:33] Speaker B: Well said, well said. And I remember Dr. Rowley before he left office would have pulled in three members of the media. Akash Samaru was one, Jewel Brown and I can't remember who the third person was and I mean facing Akash and Jewel at the time, especially Akash who was asking these very, very thought provoking questions. They was coming if they hear something. Well Dr. Rowley we, we heard that you, you jumped out PM1 to relieve yourself by a lamp post last week Tuesday. Is that true? You know, I'm just saying we he asks these questions but I must get to a commitment that I have prior just before we continue our interview this morning and it has to do with your tech tip. It's 26 minutes to 8. Let's give you that tech tip for today, June 8th shared accounts reduce accountability. If everyone has access, no one is responsible. Assign ownership to every account. Shared accounts reduce accountability. If everyone has access, no one is responsible. 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The Big Board company puts your brand where it belongs front and center with state of the art LED screens in most high traffic areas across the country you are guaranteed to be seen. Get flexible scheduling, real time updates and the most eye catching and dynamic visuals with free artwork. From local businesses to national brands we bring reach and visibility like nobody else does. Fifteen locations, endless possibilities. Advertise with the Big Board Company and get that Big Board impact. Call 723-9595 for more information. When you need the independence to start speak your mind, you take it on the all new Talk Radio Freedom 106.5 FM. Engage with Davey on the all new Talk Radio Freedom 106.5. [00:18:41] Speaker B: Good morning and welcome back. We are chatting with Priya Bihari, the Editor in Chief at AZP News and also the President of the Media association of Trinidad and Tobago. In short, Matt Matt Prior. As we continue our discussions we would have gotten your thoughts. Madam Prime Minister, we would like to see you at a press conference. One person said Davey, how is it second hand information if the the minister right? How was it second Hand information when each and every person, the presser just attended a cabinet meeting. A person who was our government minister may not feel comfortable to answer questions that should be directed at the head of the government. They more be able to, and rightfully so. But in your Cree speak, in your lane, I am the Minister of agriculture. I could tell you about agricultural resources, what we're going to do, the sustainability of maintaining local agri farms in this country. We can look at the, at the scientific approach to getting food grown faster, hydroponics and all these things. As the Minister of works, Transport and Infrastructure I can tell you what plans we have afoot in terms of maintaining roadway patching roads, any new road developments, how are we going to sustain that over the next four years. But we cannot answer questions as a prime minister about our sustainability of the economy plans with the energy sector, what meetings we have overseas. So moving on from that. A 12 year old girl dies again, another child become victim to violence in this country and the government doesn't seem to have a hand on it in my opinion and most of the listeners as well, given the fact that they are now asking for an soe. Prior as the chief, you would have had to look at stories coming in from your subordinates looking over these stories to give you approval, sometimes even writing yourself, you know, let's get your thoughts on having to go through a story where another child is denied the possibility to live and grow in this country. [00:20:34] Speaker C: We in the media have the report accurately. So sometimes we report happy stories, good stories, sometimes we report tragic murder. And it's something that is part of the course, something we have to do and we have to take emotion out of it. I mean it was sometimes difficult, but after you train in a certain way, you have to be able to do that, take emotion out of it and be able to write it fair and accurately without emotion as you can. That, that being said, you know, we have to be able, you know, we are part, we are citizens of this country too. So of course it does affect us and we have to be able to do our job and by reporting accurately it is part of our building this country and helping our society. [00:21:19] Speaker B: With that being said, let's take this call quickly as we get set to wrap the interview. All right, 625-2257. I'll give the. You know, so when we look at the, the protest action wanting to put on by certain entities in this society as it relates to going to government's homes, if you are a government minister, would you like to wake up a Morning to clapping and chanting. Would you feel a sense of security breach threatened even though they're not threatening you, but they're just outside your house on the next side of the pavement as you look out your front gate, they're on the opposite side of the street. They're not in front your street, but they're on the opposite side of the pavement, but they're chanting, clapping, protesting, singing loudly. All your neighbors hearing your thoughts. [00:21:58] Speaker C: I don't think anybody would want or would like any Protestant funding at home or anywhere. But from a journalistic point of view, I must say that we have had three SEOs in as many years and we have not been barred from reporting what we want. The media freedom of the press remains alive in this country, I think augurs well first, although at the on World Press Freedom Day, Trinidad dropped in the rankings of world press freedom, but there were no issues, including number issues for that, including the, the crime rate in the country, you know, because, you know, it affects everybody. As I said, you know, we are citizens of this country too. But in terms. And then there were a lot of media shutdown. But that media shutdown didn't, you know, had to do with the economy and state of the media in the country, in the world. [00:22:51] Speaker B: Do you think we are getting the right answers coming from the government luminaries? Because we're not hearing from the Prime Minister directly. She sends messages on Twitter or X, she would transcend messages through parliament. But are we getting from a media perspective, are we getting those pertinent questions answered? [00:23:08] Speaker C: We are not the ones to judge that. We ask the questions and if something is pre posted on Twitter, on Facebook, wherever we report it, it is for the public to judge when you talk about news reporting. But the point is that is the way of the world now and everybody takes advantage of social media, you know, even the media. We also in our news outlets, we publish almost every story, you know, AZP news, for example, on our social media publishers, every story on Facebook, for example. And that is what all media houses do and that is what the government does in terms of getting information out there. [00:23:41] Speaker B: My final question to you, what are your honest thoughts so far? I know you and I want to take, I want you to take off the hat of being the media. We just talk in general. Your thoughts for an extension again to take us I think straight to September or somewhere thereabouts with the soe another three months. [00:23:58] Speaker C: I have to speak as a media because that is one of the issues you want to ask about. Talk to the Prime Minister about. [00:24:03] Speaker B: Okay. [00:24:03] Speaker C: That's one of the reasons we want to speak to the Minister of Home run Security or the Attorney General about we have had three states of emergency in as many years. Right. Including in late 2024. And that was under the PNM. And the issue is we need to talk to the public officials for them to explain simply and in detail, you know, as much as they can to explain to us. And then the population, because we ask questions and we have the population, we ask what the people want to know and they have to explain, for example, why is this continuing? And we'll continue to ask these questions and so that we so we can get answers. And there needs to be some sort of forum in which that is done. And that is usually done, you know, in the forum of a media prior. [00:24:59] Speaker B: Bihari, I want to thank you very much for participating you and chatting with us this morning. It has been incredible for that last 30 minutes or 30, some almost 40. We really got some information from you. The listenership is very much pleased and you are reinvited again for a third stint with me in the not too distant future. Let's review and see what happens in the next coming weeks and let's come back again and see if the Prime Minister heeds the call and comes out and speaks with us. [00:25:23] Speaker A: The best insight Instant feedback Accountability the All New Talk Radio Freedom 106.5.