Scene – Governor’s press conference
The Montserrat Reporter’s Editor Bennette Roach exited the Governor’s last press conference right after the Governor made his opening statements, having asked the Governor why MNIAlive Jeevan Robinson was refused participation in the press conference using the Skype technology.
Roach has attended all of the Governor Davis’ monthly press conferences, as he did on July 18, 2012. However, he exited the press conference after the Governor said that he was only advised about Robinson’s participation just that morning. He told the Governo, “I understand that you had turned down this request, and I would like for you to tell me why this is so, why Jeevan Robinson could not join us as if he was here sitting with us at the table through Skype…”
Governor Adrian Davis
The Governor responded: “…You said you were discussing with the governor’s office, the first I’ve heard of it was this morning so I was not prepared to agree to it on that short notice,” adding, “I have subsequently been in touch with Jeevan Robinson. I’ve offered him a one to one interview which he has accepted… The issue was the notice that was given not the principle.”
Roach expressed surprise that the Governor said he had only heard about the request that morning. Roach told the Governor that he had attempted to clear the matter with him through his press secretary, who had told him the Governor had said he wished only to deal with the ‘local’ press corps. He told the Governor, “I do not know what is there about the principle, I do not know what is there about the notice…I’m very disappointed in someone who treats and welcomes technology that we could not have this done this morning.”
He continued stating that he sees that there is an attempt to interfere with how the media functions, “I become very touchy when members of our media are interfered with…and as far as I’m concerned at this press conference, I do not wish to take any further part in it.”
He announced his exit after the Governor said, “I have nothing to add to what I said before.”
The Governor had also said that he had offered subsequently an invitation to Robinson which he accepted. “I have subsequently been in touch with Jeevan Robinson, I’ve offered him a one to one interview which he has accepted…” the Governor said.
Bennette Roach, speaks at a Governor’s press conference
Roach pointed out that this was not so as Robinson responding to the offer, had said in an email immediately following the exchange with the Governor (he had been listening on skype as was noted to the Governor); “Just to clarify, my statement in my email is that MNI Alive will ‘revert’ on the matter of an interview. I heard you state in the Press Conference that we have accepted the offer of an interview. We have not yet done so…”
