Immigration authorities have decided to “defer” a work permit for John Marquis, Managing Editor of The Tribune, and many believe it had something to do with a series of articles Mr Marquis wrote criticising the government. Some have also called for his removal.
Sir Arthur, who was a guest on Island FM’s Parliament Street yesterday, said: “This is where politicians have to be careful, especially those who are in power at the time. You have to be careful and use good judgement and it seems to me the timing of this particular episode was wrong and indicated that it wasn’t about the rules and regulations. So I think that (the immigration deferment) is a very flimsy argument/excuse.
“It seems to me ﾖ and I believe to a lot of people ﾖ that this attack on Mr Marquis and his work permit was as a result of what he wrote,” he added.
The Department of Immigration first wants proof from The Tribune that a Bahamian is being trained to replace Mr Marquis. Sir Arthur said that the alleged “victimisation” of Mr Marquis is also an attack on freedom of press in The Bahamas.
“Now I might not agree with Mr Marquis,” he admitted. “There is a lot of stuff Mr Marquis writes that I do not agree with. In fact he rubs me the wrong way sometimes but that’s beside the point. To use the power of the government to victimise, and that is what it amounts to, is wrong.
“However you intimidate or seek to victimise the press is wrong,” he continued. “Threatening to withhold a foreigner’s work permit because that expatriate attacked you is wrong. If you are attacked then respond. But you do not threaten the freedom of the press and the freedom of individual journalists.”
Still, Sir Arthur admitted that if he were in Mr Marquis’ position he would not be as outspoken.
“If I were in a foreign country I would learn how to couch what I write or say having regard to the sensibilities of the community which I am a guest. But that’s me,” he said. “I won’t try to impose that on other people.
“I have seen foreigners write letters over the years, some of it quite offensive to Bahamians,” he added. “But you don’t kick them out, because they have a right to express themselves once it is done within the boundaries of decency and you’re not libelling anyone.”
Sir Arthur also maintained that while journalists have the right to criticise public figures, those criticised also have the right to respond.
“The press, editorial writers, columnists have a perfect right to criticise political leaders and other public figures in the country,” said Sir Arthur. “The people who are criticised also have a right to respond. There is no question about that. And to respond vigourously if that is required.
“What is wrong is when politicians seek to intimidate the press or seek to threaten the press or particular journalists because of their opinion expressed. That is what is wrong.”
By: JASMIN BONIMY, The Nassau Guardian
