Your powers do not exceed the public’s rights

The recent court verdict in the case against the Editor of the Seychelles Weekly newspaper, Ralph Volcere, brought the Attorney General, Ronny Govindeen on SBC TV to give the public a talk down on how some offices or institutions should be respected at all costs and never be subjected to slander.

I do not disagree with Mr. Govindeen on this point. No one should be subjected to slander. However, it is equally important to make the difference between slandering and criticism.  With the absence of a strong official Opposition to scrutinize the work of the Government in the Legislature, the task is being left to the media to take them to task and this is where the problem is arising.

Sadly far too often our public officials are developing a thin skin and are heading to court en masse to seek redress to what they see as ‘malicious libel,’ ‘lowering their authority,’ ‘prejudicing them’ or ‘committing an act of intentional disrespect towards them.’ 

As a watchdog institution, the press is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that actions and decisions taken by public officials are subject to oversight. Without a vocal press, openness and accountability will be impossible in Seychelles today, when we consult the level of influence the ruling party has in all tiers of Government. By keeping the necessary pressure, the press is ensuring that government initiatives meet their stated objectives and respond to the needs of the country. 

As the press learns to avoid the pitfalls in the law, so should the public officials learn to handle criticism, even if sometimes it is unfair.

Most criticism is probably based, at least in part, on some truths. Yes they may appear negative, but through criticism we have the opportunity to learn and improve.

The press is often described as the mirror of society. So, instead of taking what they write personally, public officials should consider it as someone is asking them to listen. This is what the Seychellois public in their vast majority do nowadays; they get the press to report on an issue that is affecting them and that they want to see change. So please stop using your powers to stampede on the public’s rights to have an open and accountable Government.