Irresponsible media reporting

The following is an edited version of a letter sent to the Press Association of Jamaica by Faith Innerarity, former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

The role of the press is of critical importance in any democratic society and, by extension, essential in promoting open and transparent governance structures necessary for national development and progress. Having had many years of involvement in social development issues both locally and internationally through the United Nations system, I fully subscribe to all the fundamental rights and freedoms contained in the respective human-rights instruments, including freedom of the press. Consequently, the implementation of policies and legislative changes which allow for greater openness and freedom of information in the public sector is wholly accepted as part of good governance.

In this context, the fact that reports of the Office of the Contractor General after tabling in the Houses of Parliament are open for scrutiny by the press and keeping the nation informed on matters of public interest is in itself a good practice. However, this openness and freedom of information comes with a tremendous need for responsible journalism.

The initial newscasts carried on TVJ and CVM in respect of the OCG's Report on the Olympic Homecoming Celebrations held in October 2008 caused me, my family, friends and acquaintances considerable embarrassment, distress and agony. The TVJ Prime Time newscast on Friday, June 25, was particularly damaging because of the misinterpretation of a clause in the OCG's Report and the resultant erroneous impression conveyed to the public that I had approved invoices for payments already honoured.

Double payments

I have not yet had an opportunity to review the CVM tape to ascertain the exact wording of its news broadcast, but based on the calls received from persons who listened to the news on both TV stations, they got the impression that the OCG was charging that I had approved double payments for the same contracts. This was not the case being made by the OCG as I explained in subsequent media interviews facilitated by both television stations as well as other media houses.

A careful reading of the report would indicate that the assertion of the OCG in relation to the particular clause that was misinterpreted was that as permanent secretary in the former Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports (MICYS), there was a "breach of duty" in my approving payment for invoices pertaining to the Olympic Athletes Homecoming Week of Celebrations, for contracts, which in his view, were not awarded in line with the provisions of the Government of Jamaica Public Sector Procurement Guidelines.

Prior to the newscasts, I had submitted my response to the OCG by way of correspondence dated June 21, 2010, with copies to the relevant public-sector bodies, highlighting this and other points in his report with which I did not concur. He had replied indicating that he maintained his positions as outlined in the report with copies being similarly sent to relevant persons.

The reports issued by the OCG are voluminous, as well as technical and legal in nature and understandably may not be easily understood by persons not fully au fait with the terms used, including some journalists. As a consequence, the practice of responsible journalism dictates that clarifications be sought from persons concerned before news reports are made.

I am a public servant of almost 30 years, with a firm and consistent commitment to the principles of transparency and probity in the management of public resources through adherence to the Government Procurement Guidelines, the Financial Administration and Audit Act (FAA), other applicable rules and procedures, as well as in keeping with the constitutional and fiduciary responsibilities in respect of the role of the permanent secretary as 'Accounting Officer'. It is, therefore, not my preferred course of action to engage in a public debate with the OCG in respect of conclusions, recommendations or other elements of reports emanating from his office. However, based on the initial news reports there was a compelling need for my public responses.

Inaccuracy

While extremely disappointed with the inaccuracy of the initial TVJ newscast, I must openly state that I am reasonably satisfied with the handling of my complaint by the management of TVJ and the RJR Group, including the efforts of this media house and the journalist concerned to provide me with opportunities to clarify the misconception created. The apology made by TVJ on its Prime Time news on Monday June 30, is also accepted, although checks with some persons who called me in response to the June 25 newscast indicated that they had not heard it. In general, though, it could be said that TVJ met the obligation outlined below which is a direct quote from the Code of Practice for Jamaican Journalists and Media Organisations (Revised Draft) found on the website of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ).

"A fair opportunity to reply to inaccuracies should be given to individuals or organisations when reasonably called for."

As soon as there is an opportunity to obtain and review the CVM tape, it will be determined whether an apology is also required in respect of its newscast. It should be noted, however, that CVM, as well as other media houses, provided me with opportunities to clarify my position on pertinent issues in relation to the OCG's report.

Media complaint

As a person committed, not just to the 'letter', but also the 'spirit' of the law and also in view of the fact that a financial value cannot be placed on my integrity (it is priceless); I did not accept advice to initiate a lawsuit in respect of my media complaint, but would like to greatly emphasise the need for greater responsibility by journalists and the avoidance of the temptation to be sensational in matters which can bring irreparable damage to someone's reputation, public image and overall health and well-being.

Without my firm Christian faith and upbringing, I would now be in a state of severe depression because of the considerable hurt that has been experienced by me, my immediate family members - husband and son (the latter is also a public-sector worker) - extended family and kin including a mother who is almost 80 years old, siblings, other relatives and in-laws for whom my highly principled way of life and professional achievements have been a source of admiration, respect and inspiration.

In addition, as someone who has occupied very senior positions in various ministries over the years (director economic planning - Ministry of Agriculture; director of social security and later chief technical director - Ministry of Labour and Social Security; permanent secretary MICYS - now MYSC) and having always been regarded as an individual of impeccable character, there have been expressions of shock and disbelief by colleagues at what was broadcast on Friday, June 25. Since then, I have also felt obliged, even when not requested, to give explanations to members of my local church and others in the Christian fraternity across denominational barriers, among whom I have been engaged in the preaching ministry for several years.

I must highlight the fact that the issues of responsible journalism and unembellished reporting of matters of a technical or legal character is a concern not only in terms of the Jamaican press but also journalists worldwide. Of recent memory, of course, is the offensive international media report on our own head of government which was not substantiated by the purported source of the information.

The Code of Practice for Jamaican Journalists and Media Organisations (Revised Draft) speaks eloquently to the points I have made in this open letter to the PAJ:

"All members of the press have a duty to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards ... . The code protects the rights of the individual and upholds the public's right to know. The code is the cornerstone of the system of self-regulation to which the industry is committed. It is essential to the workings of an agreed code that it be honoured not only to the letter, but in the full spirit ... . The code should not be interpreted so narrowly as to compromise its commitment to respect the rights of the individual, nor so broadly that it prevents publication in the public interest."