The launching of the first version of the SintMaartenInfo database (see related article) is certainly a noteworthy step. In this digital day and age having instant access to up-to-date and reliable information is perhaps more crucial than ever before.
The latter goes for the general
public, but especially for policy-makers who must be able to evaluate matters on the basis of accurate and current facts, rather than presumptions. This obviously cannot guarantee that they always will make the best decision, but at least the necessary knowledge to so do in a responsible manner will be available.
It’s a bit of a different story when it comes to the William Marlin Cabinet’s stated intention during the recent budget debate to establish its own radio and television station. While Government has every right to do so, the move seems in contravention with the global trend to privatise state-owned channels.
Moreover, the public administration currently depends to large extent on the traditional local press, including commercial radio stations, to spread its frequent messages. Should this in the future be done via in-house media before everyone else receives it, interest to carry the releases in question could drop dramatically, because if there’s one thing most reporters dislike, it’s “old news.”
Of course, being able to publish things without the intervention of journalists can be an attractive prospect, but there is a downside. Government outlets usually don’t have the credibility of independent media houses, so it remains important to communicate with the people via their preferred, familiar and trusted sources.
