Two Online Sources So Far…
Caribbean journalists deported from Antigua
Two Caribbean journalists have been deported from Antigua and Barbuda prompting condemnation from the Association of Caribbean Media (ACM) workers and other national media organizations.
Veteran journalist and former editor-in-chief of the Antigua Sun, Vernon Khelawan of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) was deported on Tuesday and Dominican Lennox Linton of Observer Radio in Antigua, was sent back to his homeland yesterday.
The ACM in a statement yesterday condemned the expulsions stating that it provided evidence that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda was not committed to honour its obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and was prepared to take action in contravention of the rights of journalists to practise their profession.
… read the rest at Stabroek News (link here)
T&T national among 2 ordered out of Antigua …’Expulsion political’
Two Caribbean journalists, one a national of Trinidad and Tobago, the other a Dominican, have been deported from Antigua and Barbuda.
Vernon Khelawan, a Trinidadian who served as Editor-in-Chief and General Manager at Sun Publications in Antigua from 1998 to earlier this year, told the Express he entered Antigua at 9.05 on Tuesday morning.
“I was landed and legally entered into the country. I asked for three days, they gave me the three days and I proceeded to go about my business,” he said.
At 10.40, he was accosted by immigration officers in a parking lot and told to accompany them to the airport.
There, a senior immigration official accused him of working in Antigua.
Khelawan said while he was waiting in immigration, the Press Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office “appeared” briefly.
“I imagine his mission was to ensure that I was there and report back,” Khelawan said.
… read the rest at the Trinidad & Tobago Express (link here)
Our Take: More Of The Same
Many Caribbean governments carry a veneer of civilized behaviour and adherence to democratic principles but quickly show near-despotic roots when the media actually does its job. Witness our own situation in Barbados. As a reminder, here are a few pointer stories…
Barbados Tourism Minister Storms Off Radio Show – Audio Now Available!
Barbados Strongman Owen Arthur Holds Media In Firm Control
Barbados Advocate: “Barbados situation is nowhere near as dire as what is happening in Zimbabwe”
Cowardly Barbados Advocate Newspaper Caved To Screaming Government Minister