Press Secretary Denies Workers Voice ‘Snub’
The Workers Voice is carrying an article saying they have been “snubbed” by Premier Craig Cannonier and are not being invited to press conferences, which the Premier’s Press Secretary Charmaine Burgess has refuted.
In a front page article entitled, “Workers Voice Snubbed by Premier Cannonier,” the Workers Voice reported that, “Since Craig Cannonier was sworn in as Premier of Bermuda on December 18, 2012, the Workers Voice has not been invited to one press conference that he has hosted.
“Initially a communications gaffe, however it has been confirmed to us that the Premier of Bermuda does not want “that girl” [LaVerne Furbert] attending his press conferences.”
The Workers Voice said that on March 28 they were informed that the Premier would be holding a press conference later that day, so contacted the Premier’s Press Secretary asking what time the conference would be held, however did not receive a reply.
The Workers Voice continued, “As Premier Cannonier represents every voter in Bermuda, which includes the members of the BIU and other members of the public, the Workers Voice will continue to press Premier Cannonier to respect the principle of freedom of information which the workers of Bermuda sacrificed much to attain.”
In response the Premier’s Press Secretary Charmaine Burgess said, “To be clear, Laverne Furbert has not been banned.
“Ms Furbert is on the Department of Communication and Information’s distribution list and is notified of the dates and times of government press conferences.
“She also receives press releases and press statements. However, neither Ms. Furbert nor any other representative from the publication has attended a press conference in the past six months.
“If Ms. Furbert wishes an interview with the Premier or any other Minister, she can certainly request one and an interview will be scheduled accordingly,” concluded Ms Burgess.
The Workers Voice is carrying another article where it draws parallels to the situation back in 1987 when the late Doreen Lightbourn, the then-editor of Workers Voice, was denied access to United Bermuda Party government press conferences.
The full comments from the Workers Voice can be read in their April 01 issue, which is here [PDF].
Publicity stunt?
There should be a rule that you have to belong to the Media Council in order to be invited to events. So funny that Dr Brown made a fuss about there not being a media council and then the BIU is found to be in violation of it lol.
I agree. for a media outlet to operate as a media outlet and not a tabloid (weekly world news, the onion, etc.), it should be required to be part of the media council so that it can be held accountable for incorrect, misleading, or outright slander. If you want the benefits you must also bear the burden of reporting on the facts and, if found to be incorrect, to state that you were incorrect, apologise, and correct it in the following release.
Until then you are no different than weekly world news or the onion except they have no delusions about what they are.
Why is the Premier afraid be presented on various media outlets in Bermuda? This issue to me is not about Mrs Furbert, but here is a bigger problem at work here.
Mr Cannoinier is the Premier of all the people of Bermuda, and therefore, must be willing to talk to all of Bermuda. He does not seem to have the ability to handle the media very well, recall his pre-election out burst? It was not a good look. He must be afraid to talk with certain media; for example why is the OBA afraid on going on the HOTT 102.7, are they lacking the skills to handle tough questions or to interact with persons that are extremely knowledgable about their subject matter. The OBA even seem afraid of the going on the Monday TV Show on channel 9, they often tell the very skillful journalist, No.
As a wise public we must begin to ask why is this the case of a party that promised us they would be TRANSPARENY AND INCLUSIVE, and OPEN? This lack of not wanting to address certain media should encourage folks to ask key question of the OBA and hold them accountable?
When a party is afraid to go on certain Media outlets, folks must ask several questions as to WHY?
1. Are the OBA incapable of answering key questions?
2. Do they lack the skill and techinques to handle the mainstream media?
3. Do they not want to take full responsiability for their actions as governement?
4. Why are they failing to be Open and transparent to all of Bermuda?
5. Is the Leader incapable of interviews in enviornments that are not pre-fixed? How much does the leader really know, or is he merely a figure-head?
6. Why is the OBA hiding out behind one media source the RG?
7. Is it to only have a certain spin on their way of governance, and keeping folks in the dark?
8. Is this an attempt by the OBA to control their information, so they are perceived in a certain light?
There are many more questions that are and should be asked. We must be people that hold the government accountable and challenge them to provide answers.
You’re a self-important windbag. Get stuffed.
that’s is right.. if what BIU claimed is true.. but apparantly… they have no concrete evidence….. no reply? Furbert and laverne apparantly has issues with following up things with calls but apparantly has no problem calling the media to whine….
Standing on Transparency, Inclusiveness and Fairness. His acronym is STIF. Obviously has an inferiority complex. Maybe he needs to post as Very Important And Grandiose Reporter’s Assistant.
LOL I’m no more good.
A wise premier indeed…invite furburger to come and bombard him with a whole lot of hate filled accusations…
Also, wasn’t it the “Workers Voice” which pulled out of the Bermuda Media Council. They aren’t even accountable for their false reports. PATHETIC BUNCH THEY ARE!
No surprises here!
Bwwwahahahaha….petulent children are still petulent children.
LaVerne…you’re grasping at straws LaVerne. Instead of throwing salt in the marmalade why don’t you do something constructive for the next five years!?
April 01…that would be April Fools day, yes?
Hahah at every twist and turn the PLPbiu gets caught telling little lies.
Thank God that Bernews has a much larger readership than the Workers Voice.
What a silly woman.
When Ewart Brown was premier, he made noises about press regulation. After an outcry, he compromised at a voluntary body – the Media Council – for responsible media outlets to sign up to and be accountable.
Workers Voice signed up to this body, but then quit when there was a ruling against it. It thereby showed that it did not abide by the same ethical standards as the other mainstream press organisations.
As Workers Voice has shown by its actions that it does not abide by the standards expected of responsible journalism, it has no right to complain that people (including the Premier) do not invite it to press conferences.
Can I get invited to press conferences too? I’m not a member of the Media Council either, but so what.
I took a minute out and read the lead story there in the WV and my only thought is what a lot of people think…..the PLPbiu are still living in the past. It’s basically a reprint of stories from 1987 and 1997. The PLPbiu are so regressive.
It’s soooo far fetched and is a clear attempt to stir trouble and is a move to portray the OBA as elitist. Premier Cannonier would do well to actually ban LV from his press conferences. She’s obviously misledto BIU workers in her “story” how could they take her seriously now?
weird how Marc Bean can outright say that he will not even acknowledge nor respond to the RG (interview on Majic 102.3), but Cannonier is ‘rumored’ to have ‘said’ the workers voice is ‘banned’…..so much for co-operation for the betterment of the country
Swing voter…..it shows that you listen to Marc Bean on LIVE talk radio, but when was the last time you listened to your Premier………..I forgot, he is not allowed to speak in a live or uncontrolled environment. Wonder why you and others NEVER question this? Hmmmmmmm! And in your typical way, you bring in Marc Bean, but this article is about Craig and the OBA/ubp. That is your post election strategy isn’t it…..deflect from real questions by talking about the PLP! Smh, oh FYI, I heard Bean say that he will avoid the newspaper, do you blame him? And no, it’s not a trick question! Think before you respond or youth fingers will expose you. Envy and lies are dangerous bedfellows!
sorry M8, I took the blinders off on Dec. 17th and yes I listen to Marc Bean as he is accountable to me, same with Cannonaire they both work for me. Like I said on another post, I don’t have time for political foolishness any more, I just want my country fixed so that I can pay my mortgage, enjoy the quality of life I’m accustomed to and ensure my children have a future. I don’t care if Cannoniare never mumbles another word, I’ve heard enough bs speaches with no substance which is why we are, in this situation.
If you’re not a member of the Media Council, and The Workers’ Voice is not after throwing its toys out of its pram, you shouldn’t be invited, as far as I’m concerned, so I’m rather surprised that they are still getting invited.
Mrs. Furbert would not attend anyway as it would keep her away from calling the talk shows
So what is the big deal if they are not invited? To bad Laverne get over it
. OMG why are people getting so emotional over stupid shite like this when there are more important issues to
worry about.
Ms Burgess please just produce the correspondences to the WV and lets us move on. This is an important issue very importannt issue however one side is not telling the truth. So produce the evidence and lets see, then we can move on far too much time is being spent on things which can be sorted out easily (wishful thinking). If they were never invited prior apologise and make sure it never happens again, if they were as you stated, well…..
Just to set the record straight in response to the Premier’s Press Secretar, Charmaine Burgess, the Workers Voice is invited to some government press conferences. However, the issue at hand is that we were not invited to the Premier’s last press conference and the e-mail and phone call to Ms. Burgess was ignored.
Interestingly, Ms. Burgess’ response is the same response given by the UBP Government in 1987 when Mrs. Lighbourn questioned not being invited to press conferences. The more things change, the more they remain the same.
Nobody is interested. Go back to the talk shows.
So far 26 people are interested, including you.
and i think he meant no one is interested in what you have to say!
37 now, including your 2 comments.
Just because people comment doesn’t mean they care. All it really means is that 37 people collectively think you’re an idiot. Have you given any thought to what you might do when the BIU is finished?
How many have come out to support the BIU/Workers Voice in this? I think it’s one – LaVerne. Rather like the KFC issue, the WV tries to escape their responsibilities and now try to go back to 1987. She is allegedly not invited to one press conference and LaVerne throws out her toys? Not signed up to abide by the Media Council? Simple, no invites to press conferences. The WV is not a newspaper, it is a monthly collection of propaganda that dates back to the 1960′s.
Does the WV have any intention of printing a retraction as per the Media Council ruling LaVerne?
No?
Yet you want to be invited to media events?
hmmmmmmmm
Are you serious LaVerne??? You are bitchin and moaning because the Premier’s Press secretary didn’t respond to your email and phone call when you wanted them to?
Here’s a bit of simple advice you obviously haven’t learned in your many years on this planet – get over yourself! You are one of 65k residents on this Island, a representative of one of many media organisations, one voice among many who would like an audience from the Premier and the Government of the day!
lol verny, 1987?? christ woman that is 26 years ago, move on with it!
So you’re pi$$ed at not being invited to one press conference? That’s it? REALLY LaVerne. REALLY.
The workers voice is a tabloid, not a news paper.
A propaganda paper.
If you can mark the Workers Voice in such a negative light, one can say the same of the OBA Facebook page. Lets be careful calling names, and attempting to degrade folks.
After all the Premier is for all of Bermuda, and he should not fear any media outlets. He should talk to all of Bermuda, even if that means appearing on the HOTT 102.7 or RG. So far I see it as leader who is fearful of the media and does not have the ability or knowledge as to how to handle the media. After seeing his outbrust on the TV pre-election. I am sure he is not capable of interacting with tuff media that asks the hard questions.
The OBA is a party that prides upon Transparency, and Fairness. Why is this not the case in regards to this matter. I am losing my support for the OBA, as thier recent steps are not really been a great reflection on Bermuda.
But a Facebook page doesn’t get all huffy if one if its amateur reporters isn’t invited to a press conference.
Ummm, OBA’s Facebook page is a Fan page. I don’t see it nor the “Standing Wrong”… I mean “Standing Strong” page being invited to any press conferences any time soon.
I’m sorry, but the ‘Workers Voice’ is just to biased to be a real media outlet. It’s really just an opinionated newsletter. I would rather my premier focus on running the country rather than wasting time and energy playing politics.
Maybe you’re just used to the old Government running around playing politics, but now is not the time for petty squabbles and hurt feelings.
It amazes me why would a any Government that gets called “The Anti-Bermudian-Regime” by a tabloid, invite said tabloid to any press conferences?
The Worker’s Voice should have some weight to it. It should be a healthy tool of the BIU or any union for that matter but it’s not. It’s an unhealthy tool of the PLPbiu that is used for political purposes. It could do some good if it actually had something important to say other than try to divide people.
At the end of the day it’s just a lengthy opinion piece/word document with bad clip art.
I really take offense to your last statement – “At the end of the day it’s just a lengthy opinion piece/word document with bad clip art” especially in light of the that the graphic artist who does the layout and design of the Workers Voice is a highly sought-out professional who also happens to highly qualified.
That goes to show me that you have looked at a Workers Voice in several years.
OMG that was done by a professional?
All I can say is …embarrassing.
I bet you won’t give me your real name and address so that I can mail you a copy so you can see what the Workers Voice really looks like.
I bet thats exactly why you want it. What is your obsession with peoples real names? Mail that crap to me and it’s going to end up face up to my parrots pooper.
LaVerne, how is it you’re a BIU employee but also a “journalist” (I use the term loosely of course). Shouldn’t you be devoting your full attention to BIU membership issues? Or are you taking full-time wages for part-time work? REALLY LaVerne. REALLY.
The Phoenix have many copies, never see anyone buying one, on their shelves if anybody wants a laugh.
Do you think LaVerne has any idea that there is a huge punctuation error on the front page of every edition of her make-believe tabloid? There’s a punctuation mistake in the title of the comic she puts out.
“The Workers Voice”. Incredible isn’t it.
Maybe she could get an 8 year old to point it out to her.
Dear Premier Cannonnier,
I did not vote for you but after that protest a few weeks ago with the heavy set gentleman with the green Tshirt waving his finger at you and Michael Fahy I would not recommend you fool around with these Union lot.
Let them send you written questions like parliamentary questions
if you fool with them it will be like beign mugged in a dark alley with no lights on, alot like that talk show host
not funny sir…making thinly veiled threats of violents results in Jail time ……I suspect BPS are checking out your IP address by now. Wait for the knock on the door
Swing voter,
The IP address cannot prove who actually sent a post. Many offices and families have several persons who use the same computer.
Four people use mine on a regular basis, but it would be foolish to assume the comments are all from one person.
It’s also foolish to believe that is the only evidence they would run with. Just for an obvious example : Family of 4, 2 children aged 2yr and 3 months, mother 37 and father 39 with no hands…whodunit?
Idiots
Hang in there Mrs Furbert, if the OBA says they are a government of TRANSPARENCY, INCLUSIVENESS and Fairness, why is this now the case? Why act in the opposite way? It does appear that they are far from acting in a transparent, or inclusive manner towards Mrs. Furbert. One thing I am learning is that the Premier appears to more of Figure-head for the OBA more than anything, if he is afraid of giving free press conferences, or appearing on the Sherri J show., I really believed that this was not the case, but so far it seems to becoming more true each day. He is the Premier of all the people, so why does he only accept to talk to certain media? This is really silly OBA, your continued refusal to answer key questions and participate in all media outlets. How is this being what you promised the people of Bermuda? TRANSPARENCE and INCLUSIVENESS ????? WHERE IS IT??? WHy is the OBA running away from certain Media, what do they have to hide? Why such fear? Or lack of will to answer key questions?
You’re right – heaven forbid a Premier should say something like “I refuse to answer that, it’s a plantation question” or shut down a national paper because it investigated and questioned his activities, in the public interest.
Why would a news letter get invites to press conferences?
They should rename it the “The Antagonist Voice”
Jesus (GROWN) people are getting CHILDISH!
Can we get back to letting the Govt clean out the barn please?
Can someone clarify if Marc Bean really said he would not respond to the RG?
heard it with my own ears on 102.7 Sherry J show….I thought it was probably due to the questions asked by Finnaghan on the SDO issues and the insinuations of impropriety.
The opposition is in for a long ride if the leader refuses to speak to the daily paper. This could be really interesting.
Hmm…you need an invite? I don’t think so. If you’re a genuine member of the press you turn up and just like magic, you get in.
That would be wonderful… the plp would get no more widespread free publicity for their Trump Troop agitators, liars, and spin artists (other than from the Sun, a newspaper that gets no comments on its website). And seeing as nobody really cares what the plp thinks anyway, it would be a blessing if Mr Bean did not respond to the RG. REALLY!!