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THREAT TO SUN
EDITOR
Published on: 8/23/2009.
EDITOR OF THE SUNDAY SUN, Carol Martindale, yesterday received the threat "to do the right thing" or have her reputation destroyed.
The threat came from Hartley Henry, senior political advisor to Prime Minister David Thompson.
Just before 2 p.m. Henry called Martindale to warn her that the results of the poll conducted for the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and released yesterday get the same Front Page treatment as polls done on behalf of this newspaper.
Henry expressed annoyance with the publication of the past several SUNDAY SUN editions, charging they were geared towards publicising and enhancing the image of Opposition Leader Mia Mottley.
He said: "For the last couple of months the SUNDAY SUN has become the mouthpiece of Mia Mottley. If the story [referring to reports of the CARDES Poll] is not played the right way, I would turn Barbados against you," he told a shocked Martindale.
He also mentioned to her about "doing the right thing".
The Royal Barbados Police were immediately summoned to the NATION'S Fontabelle, St Michael offices where a report of Henry's threatening telephone conversation was made to investigators from the Criminal Investigations Department.
Another editor, who was close by, was also privy to a part of the telephone conversation.
THE NATION has sent an official complaint to Prime Minister David Thompson and has also lodged complaints with the Inter-American Press Association and the World Press Freedom Committee and copied these letters to the Barbados Assocaition of Journalists.
41 comment found!
Feminist Conspiracy : 8/26/2009
Seems to me this is a feminist conspiracy of Martindale and Mia against a man who had the temerity to raise his voice to a woman who thinks she is in charge.
: 8/24/2009
Some of you people seem deliberately blind. Is DO THE RIGHT THING all that the man is reportedly to have said ? Didn't he say more than that. You people always fail to see when those you support are wrong. It is like condoning wrong doing of children -that is why the young people are the way they are today.How can you people be so bias ??
Where is the threat? : 8/24/2009
I wish to highlight the quotes which appeared in the article: "to do the right thing" He said: "For the last couple of months the SUNDAY SUN has become the mouthpiece of Mia Mottley. If the story [referring to reports of the CARDES Poll] is not played the right way, I would turn Barbados against you," he told a shocked Martindale. I am surprised that an article with such a strong headline, "Threat to Sun Editor" and furthermore an article taking front page of the most highly circulated edition of the Nation News Paper that it is only supported by two quotes. I am sure that a seasoned journalist such as Carol Martindale even if she did not have pen and paper to hand he sharp memory would be able to recall word for word more of what Mr. Henry said. I am surprised that more was not revealed. Exactly how was the complaint to the Police, the World Press Freedom Committee and the Barbados Association of Journalist formulated. Part of the code of conduct for a journalist state that information disseminated should be fair and accurate avoid the expression of comment and conjecture as established fact and falsification by distortion, selection or misrepresentation. Does the front page article hold true to this code. Can two quotations, one saying to do the right thing and the other stating fact allow the average reader to deduce that an actual threat was made. We need more facts from your end Ms. Martindale. You control what is published in the paper so please we oblige you to do a full editorial on what transpired. We eagerly await the true details.
Sunday Sun : 8/24/2009
About time somedody said something. Sunday Sun is a Mia (talks like a man ) propaganda paper. All about Mia all the time.This is not a sign of journalistic excellence.
MOUTH PIECE : 8/23/2009
Since Mr Hartley Henry is the Prime minister personal Advisor.Is he speaking for the Prime Minister? uhmm
: 8/23/2009
What utter nonsense, let us assume that what the writer says about The Nation being the voice piece for the BLP. Tell me what CBC is, do any one call and threaten their staff. Come on, how can any one justify what Henry did, and furhternore, he is the personal assistant to the Prime Minister. Nothing diehards say can justify Henry's actions. I am a DLP member, and I am ashamed of his actions. Mr. Prime Minister, please remember that not of us are yardfowls, we are not blinded by partisian politics. I hope that something is done about his behavior, just remember that our X is a lethal weapon. I do not want to be associate with such behavior by members of the DLP. This is about the fourth incident that I have heard of, come on the party seems to be bent on making the opposition life miserable because they dont support you, all the things you said the DLP did, you are now more blantant. This is a democracy and people have a right to express their views. Two wrongs do not make a right. Disgusted
Both sides using a hose to out a camp fire : 8/23/2009
Both sides seem to have over-reacted in the scenario. Mr. Henry by his choice of language to the Editor over perceived favouritism of the daily to the BLP. And then the Editor's responding actions to notify all possible authorites from police to international media organisatios to what appears more to be rude and out of place discourse rather than a threat. It seems to me that everyone is flexing their muscles for small ting.
Stop and think : 8/23/2009
What is the right thing Mr Henry? Assuming you are correct about the publications, why should that send you in such an acting out tizzy? You seem to have gone 'politically beserk'. The results of polls are generally not conclusive in themselves although we all know Mr Wickham is thorough and insightful. So are you running scared about something Mr Henry, and if so, why are you resorting to threats and what is tantamount to bullying. Let me tell you this: in the latter stages of the BLP'S administration, there was alot the populace was unhappy with. It is early in the DLP's administration and if the populace are not in favour with their practices and the poll reflects that, then the DLP should be grateful. It gives them ample time and space for reflection and correction. Not your way Mr Henry. This is the same behaviour I keep mentioning of people who become too big for their boots. Is this what our youth are supposed to emulate? I do believe the PM should mash you in your crease and bring you back to christians ways. That a man of your standing would want to resort to such froth is unthinkable. Why is Barbados degenerating to suck muck aided by people of your calibre who should be role models. You don't tear down anybody's reputation in Barbados Mr Henry, that is a BIG JOKE. Barbados is not usa where public oficials are always under scrutinity and are held accountable. In case you are from Mars, let me remind you, some will empathise, some will criticise, many will have a field day of fun (may be at your expense),perhaps there'll be some ligitation-settled so quietly that we the malicious ones won't even hear about, and life will return to normal. Think Mr Henry. We Bajans have mostly moved past the era when 'dirt' prevailed. Nowadays dirt only kills if it falls down on ya. Retired CS
: 8/23/2009
It is totally out of order for a political advisor to threaten an editor of a paper with ruining their reputation. By all means criticise, complain even sue if untruths are told but to be personal this political advisor should be sacked people like him who are in the public eye and want to be part of government should be able to take criticism. What about freedom of the press. This Hartley Henry is a dangerous person because he wants to dictate to the press what should be printed this should never be allowed to happen why? look at countries without a democracy newspapers are closed down jornalist and editors killed because the ruling governments cannot take criticism and only wants what they approve of printed. Therefore there is no place in politics for the likes of the Hartley Henrys of this world because they will behave more like dictators than political advisors. Mr Prime Minister fire this man immediately.
MORE TO COME : 8/23/2009
WHY ARE PEOPLE SURPRISED? THIS IS THE SORT OF INTIMIDATION METED OUT BY THE DLP. MORE TO COME. JUST YOU WAIT AND SEE. IF ACCUSING SOMEONE OF PRINTING INFORMATION RELATED TO THE OPPOSITION ON FRONT PAGE COVER OF NATION NEWSPAPERS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THAT IF THE RESULTS OF THIS POLL ARE NOT GIVEN FRONT PAGE COVERAGE HE WILL TURN BARBADOS AGAINST HER AND DESTROY HER REPUTATION IS NOT A THREAT THEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT A THREAT IS! BUT THE IRONY OF THE SITUATION IS THAT CBC HARDLY COVERS NEWS CONFERENCES GIVEN BY THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION AND PETER WICKHAM HAS NOT INVITED ONE SINGLE PERSON FROM THE OPPOSITION TO EXPRESS AN OPINION ON HIS PROGRAMME. LOOK THE PEOPLE OF BARBADOS HAS JUMPED FROM THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE. BE BRAVE CAROL, BE BRAVE.
VEILED THREATS : 8/23/2009
HARTLEY HENRY MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, SINCE HE IS ONE OF THE MOUTH PEICES FOR THE PARTY IN POWER, AND THE PM IN PARTICULAR.JUST MAYBE PEOPLE YOU ARE SEEING THE BEGINING OF A CHAVEZ LIKE FORM OF GOVERNMENT FLEX IT'S NUMERICAL MUSCLE. BEWARE PEOPLE.
Threat To The Editor : 8/23/2009
NOT BOUT HAY!!!I hope if the facts are true the Prime Minister find it in his wisdom to do the right thing and that is relieve Mr. Henry of his duties "FIRE HIM" Mr. Owen Arthur did it to a minister when me got out of hand, so don't mix friendship with business or everyVone will think they can get away with it. No one in this country should think they could play with our democracy "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" and get away with it "NEVER".
: 8/23/2009
Thankyou Mr.Hnry, they need to be called out.
CAROL : 8/23/2009
you need to grow up and do the right thing i blog that MR CRAWFORD did more than the ADAMS and you did not print it why it was telling the truth about politics only the leaders get the glory dont care how immoral the are a good news paper dont take sides you need a bottle you cry baby if MR HENRY atemp to hit you i whould be the first to jump on him so favor who you like and take your licks
oh henry : 8/23/2009
This action by you only goes to show how the DEMOCRATIC labour party won the election.
Wanna know : 8/23/2009
If no charge is laid against Mr. Henry. Would the Nation please publish a transcription of the tape so that right thinking Bajans can come to their own conclusions, please?
What USA? : 8/23/2009
What freedom of speech? What a myth. They are forever in court or settling out of court?
: 8/23/2009
I have always believe that there is no such thing as impartial journalism, so perhaps Mr Henry felt his actions were justified. But the ends don't always justify the means; if Mr Hartley perceived a "lack of objectivity" in Ms Martindale's reporting, then the best course of action would be to take this up formally with Ms Martindale and her superiors. But, after having re-read the story a few times, can someone point out this "threat" and explain why the police were called? He told her to "do (sic) the right thing", he didn't threaten her life or person. More to the point, can someone explain why, in the absence of this threat, the police decided to turn up?
Threat : 8/23/2009
Does the call rise to the level of a threat? Can one of our legal scholars help me? Atlanta, Georgia
Chavez like intimidation : 8/23/2009
I know Chavez intimidates and shuts down independant media sources. Appearantly freedom of speech is only found in the USA. Shame on the government!
I am still Looking for the THREAT : 8/23/2009
How is saying that this newspaper should "Do the Right Thing" a threat to the Editor? I fail to see it.I am also of the opinion that Mr. Henry is a little late with regards to "To turning Barbados against you" I believe that most right thinking Barbadians already know that the Nation Newspaper is the extended voice of the BLP. Do not feel that Bajans can't read between the lines. This is the paper that gives the opposition leader front page exposure and the Prime Minister is relegated to the back pages. It seems to me that this newspaper likes to dish it out but can't take it in return. Our police force have enough on their hands without having to deal with nuisance calls.
Transcript of the conversation please! : 8/23/2009
Judging from some of the earlier comments on this article it is becoming obvious that a recording of the conversation between Mr. Hartley Henry and the editor will be needed if disagreement over what was said is to be avoided. The use of political savvy to encourage the Nation newspaper to be as pro-government as The Barbados Advocate would be acceptable, if not desirable. However, achieving that objective through the use of threats by the political adviser to the Prime Minister would be downright unacceptable. I hope technology will make it possible to read what Mr. Henry said, so that we don’t have to contend with a he said – she said drama during the coming days/weeks.
Grow up! : 8/23/2009
Please leave the Prime Minister out of this! Some of you right now if your toe hurts it is Mr Thompson's fault. And about the economy..it is bad all over the world ask how many Bajans living outside Barbados are now out of work and forced into early retirement and most of then now seen as returning nationals.It is not David Thompson's fault people, GROW UP!
Give me a break !! : 8/23/2009
I guess we don't have freedom of speech in Barbados or this only applies to which Government you support. Remember you are the same people who did not like Peter wickman either at election time when he spoke about the two parties and was clearly on point as he always is. He was even called names by the other party and it was ok. Why was the police called? Did he treaten her with bodily harm? she should do the right thing, what's wrong with that?. Sometimes when you see what is printed it makes you wonder. Barbadian police have much better things to do with their time we have a lot a real crime going on folks! All Mr Hartley was doing is trying to get a point across which a lot of people feel, but not guts enough to call the paper on it. Go back to the archives of the old newspapers and see the things printed against the DLP and for the BLP. Wake up folks, Hartley is right.IT IS ALL POLITICS.
Threats : 8/23/2009
If Bajans don't think that destroying somebody's reputation and turning Barbados against them is a threat then something is very, very wrong. Open your eyes people. This 2009. High time we take the political mote out of our eyes.
What Threat : 8/23/2009
I fail to see the threat. How can do the right thing be a threat? But you know what, Ms Editor? since you blew it out of proportion Hartley now has the right to say what he has to say and every body will be listening. Cleav
: 8/23/2009
What exactly is the threat being complained of
THREAT : 8/23/2009
Is that the crux of the conversation? "Do the right thing?" and that requires the police? Or did Mr. Henry threaten Ms. Martindale's life and limb? I did not know one called the police for someone threatening what would amount to gossip that she can use a defamation suit to counter. Don't the bajan police have anything better to do? Oh dear, oh dear.
Do the RIGHT thing : 8/23/2009
"Do the right thing" I believe means, publish unbiased facts. Ms. Martindale has done less than that since Harold Hoyte left the Nation. Journalists have no less responsibility to be fair and unbiased than other people in public life. Journalists must stop hiding behind Press Freedom when they seek to advance their own agenda; because they have no greater freedom than the rest of us. Mr. Henry may have been a bit brash but he has a point and I see no criminality in his his comments. However, I am sure that there will be attempts, Mia stlye, to blow this out of all proportions.
: 8/23/2009
What a disgrace. Shame on you MR. HENRY. Why would you call a member of the press and threaten her. Am I reading the correct article or is it a misprint. Mr. Thompson needs to come out and let us know why you did such a stupid thing on behalf of the party. Come on, the CBC news at night is awful, you wonder if it should not be changed to Dems Voice of Update. Why is he asking a newspaper to do the right thing. He has share in the Nation. He can dictate to CBC, but let us hope that the press is still free. I voted for the DEMS, but I am becoming so disgusted with their behavior, that I often sit and wonder if the population made a change for just for the sake on making a change. I have heard of other horror stories, that can be rather frightened. A worried voter
Do the Right Thing PM : 8/23/2009
I hope PM Thompson and the RBPF take the appropriate action and sever that which has and constantly offends!!! HENRY MUST GO!!!
Somalia style politics : 8/23/2009
If this story is true, The police should act impartially and areest who needs to be arested for threatening individuals. It is pure madness and somalian style politics for someone advsing a nations leader to be condoning acting in that kind of barbaric african congo republic style. If someone has a problme with a newspapers publication,they can go to court if lies or lible is committed, the buying public will decide, or they can open their own newspaper and prove if they can competitively woo the buyers with more credibale material. This is the meainng of a democracy and freedom of speech is necessary to have newspapers critice freely and not have a dictatorship running under the title of democracy.
: 8/23/2009
WELL! WELL ! WELL ! -I am flabergasted ! This Government , This Government, THIS GOVERMENT-----oh this Government---ONE TERM !
Very surprising behaviour. : 8/23/2009
This certainly does not sound like the behaviour of a politically savvy person. I am very surprised. Of course we can expect that much will be made and that The Sun and Mia's supporters will play this one for all that they can get out of it.
: 8/23/2009
Give us all a break please.
: 8/23/2009
If you were impartial and stop playing politics with the freedom of the press and tell the truth you will not be intimidated. you are afraud.
No Retreat : 8/23/2009
Good for you Ms Martindale. No retreat. No surrender. Who this Hartley Henry think he is. He think this is one of the OECS countries that he runs roughshod over. NOT BOUT HEY HARTLEY HENRY.
complaint : 8/23/2009
In a free country Mr Henry has a right to voice his opinion. It is sheer nonsense the way the editor reacted..especially since he was telling the truth. At least you published the polls today!
What was Henry thinking? : 8/23/2009
Is Mr. Henry serious? He of all people knows that this is the sort of behaviour the last government was accused of, even if they may not have acted in such a blatant manner. he is making it very bad for his party. I would strongly suggest the Prime Minister fire him to send a message that such actions will not be tolerated.
wat : 8/23/2009
clearly henry has lost is bearins here if this is true, not that i am questioning carol,no one knows for sure who is on the other end of the phone,but if this is really so,surely he has gone totally MAD.
Oh Henry!! : 8/23/2009
Something must be getting better bout here. Were any such complaints made to the police before Jan 2008? Of course Henry is right about Martindale - but what a stupid approach to take - does he not write a column?
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