British editor facing expulsion from Bahamas in free speech row
By HoldtheFrontPage staff
Supporters of a British editor facing possible expulsion from the Bahamas have threatened to stage a public protest in a bid to save his job.

The Bahamas government has deferred the work permit of John Marquis, managing editor of the country's top-selling daily, The Tribune, in a press freedom row which could explode into a major pre-election issue.



The former West Country newspaper editor and London sports editor, (pictured left), has been at the centre of a row over a series of hard-hitting articles he wrote criticising certain members of the ruling Progressive Liberal Party.

But he said: "The Bahamas now has to choose whether it becomes a fully-fledged modern democracy or goes back to a dreadful era of intimidation and victimisation."

A former cabinet minister, a political party and a fathers' rights group have now joined the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association in condemning the government's action.

Clever Duncombe, president of Bahamian Fathers for Children, described the editor as "a treasure to the Bahamas" and said his removal would be a grave injustice. He added that his group was willing to protest outside the prime minister’s home.

Cassius Stuart, leader of the Bahamas Democratic Movement, said too many Bahamians had been denied opportunities because of the PLP's victimisation tactics and said any action against the editor would put the party in a bad light internationally.

The situation has become a key topic of debate locally, with The Bahama Journal carrying letters on the topic, including one from The Nassau Institute think tank, saying: "Freedom of speech in a democracy is usually considered a "right". But is it so in the Bahamas? Or is it an illusion maintained because we like the idea and the alternative is unthinkable.

"John Marquis is the latest subject to test whether free speech really exists in The Bahamas. Renewal or non-renewal of his work permit will confirm it."

Attorney Fred Smith, a leading human rights campaigner, said the government's action was "an absolute disgrace" aimed at silencing the voice of "a renowned journalist" who had done nothing more than tell the truth.

The government now says it wants assurances from The Tribune that it is training a Bahamian replacement for the controversial editor, who has overseen a 70 per cent circulation rise since 1999.

see what happens when politicians take on the press: more bad publicity...

see what happens when politicians take on the press: more bad publicity...

You aint see bad press yet. Wait until they cancel his permit...and then the fire works. Our politicians use the word democracy but they dont know what that mean. For the PLP politician, democracy means: you have rights as long as you dont write or speak critical of us. Its high time they grow up!!

The PLP has always use the work permit as a political missile to keep the wayward stranger in line. There's nothing new with the PLP except a few, new dirty tricks.

You aint see bad press yet. Wait until they cancel his permit...and then the fire works. Our politicians use the word democracy but they dont know what that mean. For the PLP politician, democracy means: you have rights as long as you dont write or speak critical of us. Its high time they grow up!!

The PLP has always use the work permit as a political missile to keep the wayward stranger in line. There's nothing new with the PLP except a few, new dirty tricks.
One question, is it in his job description as a managing editor to be writing or his that the job of the editor & his staff of journalist? :dgi:

One question, is it in his job description as a managing editor to be writing or his that the job of the editor & his staff of journalist? :dgi:

Managing editors also write. That is not at all unusual in the industry. A managing editor is like an editor-in-chief. And they are the ones in the industry who tend to write commentaries, editorials, etc.

Managing editors also write. That is not at all unusual in the industry. A managing editor is like an editor-in-chief. And they are the ones in the industry who tend to write commentaries, editorials, etc.


That's what I thought as well

Managing editors also write. That is not at all unusual in the industry. A managing editor is like an editor-in-chief. And they are the ones in the industry who tend to write commentaries, editorials, etc.
Oh ok, I thought there was some difference.NB why do we need this man here tho? I feel he should have been ran out of this country from the Kelly incident and believe that the chickens are now just coming home to roost. JMO

Oh ok, I thought there was some difference.NB why do we need this man here tho? I feel he should have been ran out of this country from the Kelly incident and believe that the chickens are now just coming home to roost. JMO


That's not the point!!! If you feel this man is not worlthy AS A JOURNALIST, you release him from his duties from day one, not when he step on some ministers toes, that's VICTIMIZATION!!!

And what you mean by "ran out of this country" this aint the Wild Wild West. We are a civilized nation aspiring to be greater, that's not how you do things, I see papa taught you well but barbarism is a thing of the past!!!!

That's not the point!!! If you feel this man is not worlthy AS A JOURNALIST, you release him from his duties from day one, not when he step on some ministers toes, that's VICTIMIZATION!!!
And what you mean by "ran out of this country" this aint the Wild Wild West. We are a civilized nation aspiring to be greater, that's not how you do things, I see papa taught you well but barbarism is a thing of the past!!!!
WG I dn't care how they get rid of him, just do it. And no matter what is done in this life someone will be victimized,its just his turn.Turn about is fair play I say. You dn't have to feel that way,thats your right but dn't come at me with your holier than thou attidute because of the way I feel. :board2:

WG I dn't care how they get rid of him, just do it. And no matter what is done in this life someone will be victimized,its just his turn.Turn about is fair play I say. You dn't have to feel that way,thats your right but dn't come at me with your holier than thou attidute because of the way I feel. :board2:


Well same for you, many of us do not care how we do it but we sometime wish that they get rid of you ..., that is just my view.

You gave yours and I gave mine..., FREEDOM of speech.

Well same for you, many of us do not care how we do it but we sometime wish that they get rid of you ..., that is just my view.
You gave yours and I gave mine..., FREEDOM of speech.
:biggie: Ah my, sucks to be you aye? BTW Who are you and why are you qouting me? :dgi:

I don’t know the whole story, but I think the Tribune should have a Bahamian apprentice under this guy anyway.

By the way, I am almost certain that the Nassau Guardian is the nation’s best seller… The Tribune has to include “The Miami Herald” to get more sales :D. This is my opinion (a la free speech :wipe: )

If the man was just stating facts, then he did not dishonor his duties as a writer. So, he should not be kicked out for this. However, if the man was abusing his influence by propagating a pack of lies, he should be sent out of this country on the next thing smoking!!!

Nevertheless, train a Bahamian to replace him (when he retires or resigns ;) ).

:bahamas:

WG I dn't care how they get rid of him, just do it. And no matter what is done in this life someone will be victimized,its just his turn.Turn about is fair play I say. You dn't have to feel that way,thats your right but dn't come at me with your holier than thou attidute because of the way I feel. :board2:


Once again you are missing the point, victimization should not be tolerated, yes it happens but it is not right!!! Governments should not victimize people and if you are condoning it I see why you support the PLP. You have to excuse my attitude for a better nation don't get it twisted with "holier-than-thou" attitude...get your priorities straight when it comes to your nation leave something for your children and grandkids :sarcastic

I don’t know the whole story, but I think the Tribune should have a Bahamian apprentice under this guy anyway.
By the way, I am almost certain that the Nassau Guardian is the nation’s best seller… The Tribune has to include “The Miami Herald” to get more sales :D. This is my opinion (a la free speech :wipe: )
If the man was just stating facts, then he did not dishonor his duties as a writer. So, he should not be kicked out for this. However, if the man was abusing his influence by propagating a pack of lies, he should be sent out of this country on the next thing smoking!!!
Nevertheless, train a Bahamian to replace him (when he retires or resigns ;) ).
:bahamas:


Yes, of course train a Bahamian. I believe the Tribune did have a training program for Bahamian jouralist, however, it was short lived, I guess it was getting in the government's way of "dumbing-down" the nation....

Once again you are missing the point, victimization should not be tolerated, yes it happens but it is not right!!! Governments should not victimize people and if you are condoning it I see why you support the PLP. You have to excuse my attitude for a better nation don't get it twisted with "holier-than-thou" attitude...get your priorities straight when it comes to your nation leave something for your children and grandkids :sarcastic
No govt is going to leave something for my grandkids.Its people like YOU who need a govt. Look at the fact that since you came on this website you have been trying to fit me in a niche, bout support the PLP.YOU dn't know me, and who I mark my X for or if I even do.But with your small mind, because I dn't support the policies of the FNM, I must be PLP. Boy I tell ya, and I must get my priorities right.Gotta be kiddin me.