The Caribbean Press is a public entity which has to be accountable

Dear Editor,

The actions of the elected officials in response to queries concerning the operations of the publicly funded Caribbean Press are but a microcosm of the general PPP philosophy in respect to  the resources of this nation, whether it be NICIL, the absurdities of Mr Jagdeo’s treatment of the  broadcast allocations, or the spite-driven crusade to impose their will on the city council, even if  doing so requires endangering the health of the citizens of Georgetown. Dr Frank Anthony has demonstrated the most embarrassing stance in response to media and interest groups seeking an audience with him on the question of the Caribbean Press. This Minister has conducted a dismal game of hide and seek ‒ a pantomime of official Ka-Ka-Delo.

But there is need to move on and to demand accountability of this travesty that constitutes the Caribbean Press; this is an item for the parliamentary committee that is concerned with the accounts of public entities. As a matter of fact, did the Auditor General audit the business of the Caribbean Press (CP)? I do hope this could be made public.

The following questions must be publicly answered: (a) Where is the registered office of the CP? (b) What were the starting funds of the CP?  (c) How many titles have been so far published and re-published? (d) What was the cost of each publication and the number of copies printed?  (e) What was the name of the printer/s and the address or addresses?  (f) What were the names and contract costs of proof-readers and support staff?  (g) What method was used for the distribution of publications if any? (h) The Memorandum of Understanding and the Mission Statement of the CP must be made available to afford public perusal and possibly a reorganizing of this public entity.  (i) What funds currently exist in the CP?

In the public interest all further operations of the CP should cease until a financial audit of this public institution can be executed and an investigation into the relationship with the creative and concerned public. This is a public entity which has to accountable by law.

Yours faithfully,
Barrington Braithwaite