|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
NASSAU, The Bahamas - The Bahamas Press Club 2014 held its Annual General Meeting on June 21, 2016 in the Sir Harry Oakes Boardroom, British Colonial Hilton.
President Anthony A Newbold gave his Annual Address, in which he highlighted achievements and challenges during the previous year.
The highlight being the staging of The Bahamas Press Club Pioneer Awards Banquet, during which leaders in the profession were recognized for their development and contribution to Journalism and Mass Communications in the country. Another achievement being the establishment of a Code of Ethics to guide media professionals in the execution of their duties.
Mr. Newbold spoke of the challenges of fund raising and the need to attract more members of the working press, to join The Club.
He also addressed the state of the nation and the critical need to have the Freedom of Information Act enacted, the issue of crime and the concern that the Baha Mar Resort remains closed and its estimated 2,000 staffers out of work.
During the AGM, these Bahamas Press Club Executives were returned to office; elected unopposed. Anthony A Newbold, President; Anthony Capron, First Vice President; Lindsay Thompson, Secretary and Vincent Vaughan, Treasurer.
Address given by Anthony A Newbold, President, The Bahamas Press Club 2014.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HARRY OAKES ROOM – HILTON HOTEL PRESIDENT’S REPORT - JUNE 21TH, 2016, 6:30PM
Good evening everyone and thank you for coming. Welcome to the second Annual General Meeting of The Bahamas Press Club, 2014.
It is safe to say that we made it through another year despite the hurdles we faced, some of which are still here.
Just like our country, The Bahamas, we will need to be creative and resilient to enjoy the success we wish.
State of the Nation
Conditions in The Bahamas are eerily similar to June 2014 when we began this journey. One of the largest projects ever in the history of the country, the Baha Mar Resort is still not open and all indications are that much work still needs to be done before the Resort actually becomes a going concern. Close to 2,000 staffers were dismissed after the resort could not be completed due to disagreements between the developer and contractor, CCA, and developer Sarkis Izmirlian ran out of money.
In his budget communication on May 25th, Prime Minister the Rt Hon Perry Christie again promised that a solution to this dilemma is in the works.
Crime continues to bedevil the country, especially murders, and especially on the island of New Providence. All admit that much more needs to be done to address this scourge upon our communities. The minister of national security continues to tout the government’s efforts in this regard.
If there is to be a bright spot, the Prime Minister’s recent budget communication revealed that since coming to office 4 years ago, his government has reduced the GFS Deficit by $439 million with the current GFS Deficit standing at $150 million. It is hoped that other initiatives in the budget would help to boost the country’s fortunes.
The Bahamas Press Club Membership
Since our last AGM we have been privileged to have Ms. Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, Ms. Serena Williams, Ms. Gena Gibbs, Mr. Lester Cox and Mr. Kermit Taylor join us as regular members. On behalf of the Club I again officially welcome them and thank them on the record for their participation.
Ms. Ishmael-Newry and Ms. Williams are hard at work on our web-site and Mr. Taylor’s wonderful work during the Pioneer Awards Banquet in November 2015 was outstanding.
We have also enjoyed the presence of 2 students from the College of the Bahamas (Crystal Darling and Don Sargent) who were present at one of our lectures. Hopefully this is a harbinger of future participation by the younger members of the profession.
An increase in the number of media persons participating in the activities of the Press Club is crucial. Of more importance is the involvement of the younger members of the profession.
I must say that the lack of participation by members of the elected executives is most distressing to me and I hope it is a situation we can rectify in the very near future.
The Pioneer Awards
Undoubtedly the highlight of the year 2015 was the Bahamas Press Club 2014’s Pioneer Awards Banquet.
On November 21st, 2015 for the first time ever, members of the local media were recognized and rewarded for their exemplary work and dedication, in this instance, some of the pioneers of the industry.
Recognized were Mrs. Eileen Dupuch-Caron (The Tribune) with the lifetime achievement award; Mr. Wendal Jones (Love 97/Bahama Journal/JCN Television); Mr. Kenneth Francis (Posthumously) Nassau Guardian; Mr. Henry Saunders (More 94 FM); Mr. Silbert Mills (Radio Abaco); Mr. Anthony Ferguson (Guardian Radio) and ZNS Radio/Television.
The Speaker for the evening was Mrs. Rowena Bethel, Director of the National Insurance Board.
It is safe to say that the evening was an overwhelming success due in no small part to the executives and two non executives, Messrs. Franklyn Ferguson and Kermit Taylor.
Last minute efforts and not enough forward planning contributed to a stressful time and not enough fund raising that should be mitigated as we move into banquet mode immediately following this meeting.
Code of Ethics
In April, The Club released its Code of Ethics that we hope will help to guide local media in the execution of their duties. Unfortunately it has not received the widespread distribution and acceptance desired.
Speakers
In January, Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle, Government Lead of the National Development Plan presented to The Club, during which she outlined the purpose of the National Development Plan in a session that was well received.
In May, Mr. John “Ish” Ishmael, father of our own Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, gave a spirited presentation focused on citizen journalism.
It has been generally agreed that a special effort should be made to have monthly presenters as an established part of our monthly gatherings.
I have been in contact with Dr. Ellen Hume, award winning journalist and Annenberg Fellow who has committed to helping the Press Club in any way that she could. After further discussion I will again reach out to her to determine if and when she can visit with us.
I invite recommendations for the presenter for our awards banquet this year. Carl Bernstein or Bob Woodward are the caliber of personalities we should consider shooting for this year.
Outreach
In February 2016, The Bahamas Press Club along with Reach Out & Touch Ministries, Shereice Ferguson presented four NGO’s with packages of rice and cereal to assist with the feeding of residents under their charge.
The Children’s Emergency Hostel, All Saints Camp, The Ranfurly Home for Children and The Great Commission Ministries were the beneficiaries of our efforts.
Alliances
In January vice president Capron, Treasurer Vaughan and myself met with Diane Philips and began the discussion about an alliance with the Save The Bays organization, in an effort to push for the passage of a Freedom of Information Act.
The discussion resulted in an alliance that was announced along with STB Chairman Joe Darville. Some objections to that alliance were raised by member Franklyn Ferguson and that has been noted.
It is important to note that apart from the announcement of the pairing, no other initiative has been pursued.
I recently had a luncheon meeting with Organization for Responsible Government head Matt Aubry and Alison Bethel McKenzie, former Nassau Guardian General Manager and advisor to ORG. The organization also wants to partner with the Press Club to further champion the passage of a FOIA. Ms. Bethel-Mckenzie is preparing to commence an assignment in Banglore, India for the next 11 month. She has pledged her support once she returns to The Bahamas.
Presentations
In February 2016, with the assistance of Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, I was invited to speak to the Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau. The presentation was on the Roles of a Free Press.
In May, last month, a similar presentation was made to the Future of Democracy Conference sponsored by Dr. Ian Strachan and the College of The Bahamas.
Finance
I have deliberately left this for last. We need money and I again summon all hands on deck because that is what is required if we are going to move away from month to month efforts to survive. We all need to step forward and advance those things that will give us the kind of financial mobility we need to operate this very important organization.
Overall, I believe the possibilities are still endless but whether or not they are realized is totally dependent on our efforts and on the efforts of those who will join us.
Again I thank you kindly for your continued support and encourage you to do even more as we seek to move our profession forward.
Anthony A Newbold
President
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
