Criminals are not businessmen
Published:Saturday | April 20, 2019 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
In Jamaica, there is an odd convention of referring to infamous men as businessmen. If it is alleged that a particular individual is a criminal, then when referring to this person, only state his name. There is no need for the media to be disingenuous by classifying these characters as entrepreneurs.
Some nefarious persons will never be tried in a court of law, but their illicit activities are well known. Therefore, journalists should exercise sound judgement by refusing to lionise these men of disrepute. A report on “pseudo-businessmen” will only be necessary in the case of a conviction.
By showcasing the viewpoints or charitable endeavours of thugs, journalists become complicit in the veneration of gangster culture. Ruffians who use legitimate businesses to launder illegitimate funds are not role models and should not be treated as such.
LIPTON MATTHEWS