Dear Editor,

I cannot believe my eyes or ears! Am I reading or hearing correctly? Is it that the media who took it upon themselves to champion the cause for transparency, fairness, accountability, and vigilant oversight is now shunning the very thing they see as vital for a vibrant democracy?

Recent utterances in the media are not sounding encouraging. Recent headlines are not reflective of what was said and has not gone down well. Recent obfuscation of clear sentences reminds us why we all need oversight. There’s no exception for media.

The police and security apparatus of the country have the Independent Commission of Investigations, the Government has the contractor general and auditor general, and the political parties have the ombudsman. Why is the media pussyfooting around and acting in such a pusillanimous manner regarding oversight?

The reality is that you cannot be strident for full oversight and free access to information in all areas, while hiding behind rolls of printed paper whenever you’re called on to properly account for your utterances or writings.

It is simple. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That’s a very familiar sentence. Here’s another, remove the plank from your eye before trying to take a speck from your neighbours’. Now, step up to the plate, get moving in constituting an oversight body and ensure it is free to function effectively.

After all, you would require no less from others.

Joseph Edwards

jdocforreal@gmail.com