ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, December 19th, 2011  – The Minister for Communications and Works (MCW) Honourable Mark Vanterpool expressed his concerns about recent incidences of unethical reporting by some online news media during the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Second House of Assembly.

The minister said “It is expected that professionals in such organisations should be ethical enough to have information properly researched and that all sources are properly verified. News reporters are expected to be held to a higher standard based on the nature of their work and how it ultimately impacts lives.”

Hon. Vanterpool felt a sense of obligation to express his views on the matter in order to protect his name, his office as Minister, as well as that of his staff members in the Ministry, its departments and related statutory bodies.

He noted the trend of certain online news organisations to publish information that, in some cases, have not been properly verified or based entirely upon hearsay which sometimes may defame the character and good name of certain individuals and organisations. “Such statements, Madam Speaker may at times even border on being libelous,” he said.

The minister especially made note of an online media organisation that spoke of the possible removal of the Acting Director of Public Works, Dr. Drexel Glasgow, which he said that there was no evidence of either the Acting Permanent Secretary or the Minister being contacted, yet members of the public were misled to believe so.

The minister affirmed that he holds Dr. Glasgow’s professional skills in very high regard. “It is my intention to continue to recognise Dr. Glasgow’s talent and technical insight in significant ways as we work to collectively strengthen the Ministry and its departments,” Minister Vanterpool disclosed.

In closing the Minister said “I find it appalling that certain individuals who may or may not be well intentioned would go to such lengths to destroy the promising careers of our territory’s brightest and best minds.” The minister added that he will be seeking legal advice on such matters.

Honourable Vanterpool made these comments today during the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Second House of Assembly.

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