The Bahamas government has deferred the work permit of John Marquis, managing editor of the country’s top-selling daily, The Tribune, in a press freedom row which could explode into a major pre-election issue.
The former West Country newspaper editor and London sports editor, (pictured left), has been at the centre of a row over a series of hard-hitting articles he wrote criticising certain members of the ruling Progressive Liberal Party.
But he said: “The Bahamas now has to choose whether it becomes a fully-fledged modern democracy or goes back to a dreadful era of intimidation and victimisation.”
A former cabinet minister, a political party and a fathers’ rights group have now joined the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association in condemning the government’s action.
Clever Duncombe, president of Bahamian Fathers for Children, described the editor as “a treasure to the Bahamas” and said his removal would be a grave injustice. He added that his group was willing to protest outside the prime ministerﾴs home.
Cassius Stuart, leader of the Bahamas Democratic Movement, said too many Bahamians had been denied opportunities because of the PLP’s victimisation tactics and said any action against the editor would put the party in a bad light internationally.
The situation has become a key topic of debate locally, with The Bahama Journal carrying letters on the topic, including one from The Nassau Institute think tank, saying: “Freedom of speech in a democracy is usually considered a “right”. But is it so in the Bahamas? Or is it an illusion maintained because we like the idea and the alternative is unthinkable.
“John Marquis is the latest subject to test whether free speech really exists in The Bahamas. Renewal or non-renewal of his work permit will confirm it.”
Attorney Fred Smith, a leading human rights campaigner, said the government’s action was “an absolute disgrace” aimed at silencing the voice of “a renowned journalist” who had done nothing more than tell the truth.
The government now says it wants assurances from The Tribune that it is training a Bahamian replacement for the controversial editor, who has overseen a 70 per cent circulation rise since 1999.
By HoldtheFrontPage staff
www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk
