I wish to respond directly to comments attributed to the Leader of the Progressive Labour Party concerning me and TNN News in his communication to party members regarding today’s Supreme Court proceedings.
The Party Leader stated:
“I am also deeply disappointed that TNN appears to have been made aware of this latest challenge before the Party’s leadership. I understand that Mr Lindsay was seen walking with counsel for the plaintiffs into court.”
Because I have been specifically named, and because the statement creates an implication concerning my independence as a journalist, I believe it is necessary to correct the record clearly and unequivocally.
At no time did I walk into the Supreme Court with counsel for the plaintiffs. I entered the Court by myself.
After entering, I sat next to a reporter from the Royal Gazette who was also there carrying out her professional responsibilities. It is therefore noteworthy that another journalist covering the same proceedings was not identified or singled out in the Party Leader’s communication, while I was personally named on the basis of an account that does not reflect what occurred.
The assertion concerning me is simply not accurate. My account can also be substantiated by those who were present, including the lawyers involved.
I did not enter the Supreme Court representing, assisting or advancing the interests of the Curtis Dickinson campaign, the Progressive Labour Party or any other political organisation or individual.
I entered the Court as a journalist.
There is an important legal matter unfolding before Bermuda’s Supreme Court involving the governing political party and questions concerning its membership and internal processes. These proceedings are matters of legitimate public interest.
My responsibility as a journalist is to be where the story is, to observe, ask questions and report accurately to the public.
What I find particularly disappointing is that, at a time when the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party is dealing with significant issues before the Court and within its own organisation, the Party Leader has chosen to single me out personally in a communication to the Party’s membership based upon information that, as it relates to me, is incorrect.
I reject any suggestion, whether express or implied, that my presence at the Supreme Court demonstrates an association or allegiance with any campaign. I equally reject any suggestion that I am being directed, manipulated or controlled by anyone involved in this dispute.
I will not allow my name or TNN’s journalism to be used as a scapegoat in an internal political dispute or as a means of bolstering support within any political camp. To do so based upon an inaccurate account of my movements is both unfair and damaging to my professional integrity.
If the Party Leader has evidence that I acted improperly, coordinated my reporting with a campaign or breached any accepted journalistic standard, then that evidence should be presented.
If no such evidence exists, my name should not be used in a manner that creates that impression.
TNN did not initiate these proceedings. We did not file the court documents or bring the parties before the Court.
We reported the story.
Disagreement with our reporting is legitimate. Singling out a journalist and creating an implication about his professional independence based upon an assertion that does not reflect what occurred is something entirely different.
I will not be intimidated from doing my job.
TNN will continue to attend, observe, ask questions and report matters of legitimate public interest independently and responsibly.
Without political allegiance. Without intimidation. Without fear or favour. Trevor Lindsay TNN News
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