Nassau, Bahamas - (March 31) The following is a statement by the Bahamas Press Club:

The Bahamas Press Club was deeply disappointed to hear of the Prime Minister’s recently expressed disdain of the local press, in comments made to journalism students at The College of the Bahamas.

We do not presume to lecture the Prime Minister on his public utterances, but we must say that if the unfortunate turn of phrase was as a result of frustration with expressed journalistic opinions of his leadership (style), after 40 years in public life, Mr. Christie should know that it goes with the territory.

We know of no journalists who are “political scribes” but we are indeed aware of the proliferation of media personalities sometimes confused with the age old, well respected members of the working press.

While the Press Club believes it is of paramount importance that journalists display the highest standards and integrity in their reporting, talk shows and columns are open tothe widest expressions, including a healthy dose of personal opinions.

We remind the prime minister that the leader of the opposition, Dr. Hubert Minnis hasalso been the object of equally scathing opinions. We suspect that both men willcontinue to be in the bull’s eye of journalists as long as they hold the positions they do.

In addressing the students, Mr. Christie is reported to have said, “You have the right to believe what you believe, to write what you believe. I must respect you for that. But respect me for what I’m trying to do!”

As a seasoned politician who understands his role in our democracy, the Prime Minister is also more aware than most, of the importance of the Fourth Estate to a well regulated democracy.

We ask the Prime Minister to display that understanding of the need for freedom of expression by all, even if these expressions do not comport with ours.

The Press Club also welcomes the call for a debate between the leaders of the three named political parties and look forward with much anticipation to the event.