Prensa Uní fiercely
opposes Media Law
WILLEMSTAD--The Curaçao association of media workers Prensa Uní fiercely objected to the draft Media Law Education Minister Omayra Leeflang presented to Parliament.
“I find it terrible that I have to object in the Parliament of a democratic country against such a law. The law creates possibilities for a witch hunt against journalists,” Prensa Uní president Samantha Nicolas said.
Democratic Party (DP) Member Erno Labega said during yesterday’s Central Committee meeting that the media workers of the Windward Islands too must be heard before Parliament could continue discussing the draft law.
President of Parliament Pedro Atacho confirmed that he already spoke to members of the media in St. Maarten and asked for the board of the St. Maarten media Workers Association to contact him.
He said in addition to be planning meetings of parliament to take place in the week of November 19 in St. Maarten. “Then too it’s possible to meet with the media from the Windward Islands,” Atacho said.
The organisation of media workers gave its view on the draft law to Members of Parliament during a Central Committee meeting on Tuesday. Prensa Uní objected strongly to what it called oppression of the freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
“The law, in which we weren’t involved, will make it very easy for a Minister to settle old scores. It’s dangerous for the future. Journalism in its entirety doesn’t have to become the victim of certain people that do things wrong.”
Regulations and rules of conduct for the press in case they do not comply already exist. Someone can demand rectification or file a court case. If the draft Media Law will be approved it will mean that all new (opinion) programmes will have to request for a permit for the Minister to decide on.
Media houses as well, even if they have been existing for 50 years need to apply every year for a permit. This will for sure affect certain radio stations, Prensa Uní alleged.
The organisation complained as well about no journalists being appointed in the Media Council based on the argument of conflict of interest. The Media Council comprises five members which should be sufficient to guarantee a balance.
The media workers organisation also denounced that the Minister can issue fines because a media house has not complied with the rules and regulations, as the draft law stated. “We have a constitution, licences and a code of ethics. This is direct interference.”
Referring to international treaties on human rights and treaties the Netherlands Antilles has co-signed on fundamental rights such as the freedom of press, Prensa Uní stated that with this law the Minister will become almost omnipotent.
