EDITORIAL
The A-Bee-C’s of Media Relations
Thursday, May 27, 2004
The recent bee attacks in West Bay have once again brought to light
communication concerns within the Cayman Islands Government that seriously
affect the ability of this country’s media to responsibly and expediently
inform the public.
Many times in our efforts to gather and report information crucial to the
public’s safety, Cayman Net News has felt like drones waiting for the queen
bee to offer the nectar of required information.
On Wednesday morning 19 May, this newspaper spoke with the Chief
Agriculture and Veterinary Officer with regard to the two bee attacks in West
Bay. A reporter asked him if he were willing to field some questions so as to
educate the public on how to best avoid bees, or conduct themselves in the
presence of a hive or swarm of bees.
The Chief Agriculture and Veterinary Officer responded, “I will proceed
through the proper channels and prepare a press release for Government
Information Service (GIS) for release to the media.”
Confident that the story and information was moving forward, Cayman Net
News awaited the release so it could inform its readership of something that
was genuinely upsetting the public, especially considering that there was much
speculation that African Killer Bees had inhabited the country.
By late afternoon, still no official word appeared from the government.
Since the initial call to the Chief Agriculture and Veterinary Officer had
been placed early in the day, we thought a press release with the requisite
concerns addressed would be forthcoming.
Still aware of the responsibility inherent in the situation, this newspaper
made phone calls to local citizens who might be able to assist. The Head of
the Department of Emergency at the Cayman Islands Hospital graciously and
wisely responded to our inquiries.
An experienced private sector beekeeper was contacted, who presented a full
picture of the public health concerns related to the interaction between bees
and humans. For nearly half-an-hour, he responded to our questions that were
generated in large part from local people and their growing fears.
Once these two open and transparent individuals assisted us, we once again
looked for the press release from the Department of Agriculture via GIS. Many
hours had now passed, and still no communication had come from government
department most responsible for responding to the situation. It had still not
arrived. Disappointedly, Cayman Net News went to press, unable to provide the
public with advice from the government on which they rely to protect
themselves, their loved ones, and their children.
That was last week. We are still waiting for a response from the Department
of Agriculture through GIS.
Three weeks ago there was a terrorism alert here in the Cayman Islands. The
Assistant Commissioner of Police has been open and transparent with the media
in terms of pushing his own processes to allow the media access to the
unfolding of similar situations.
The police realise that part of their responsibility in a potential crisis
is keeping the public informed, to help allay fears, and stop the spreading of
misinformation. Two serious bee attacks in a short period of time should also
qualify as a situation that could create public fear and instigate rumours,
and yet the Department of Agriculture seems more concerned about maintaining
proper channels.
A colony of bees consists of the queen bee, drones, and workers. The
success of the colony requires each component to work well with the other
members. If one group fails to fulfill its duties, the whole hive can
ultimately fail.
Unless the Government can learn to better pollinate the public with vital
information, eventually one of these crises will be real, and every resident
of the Cayman Islands will suffer the consequences.
Back...
Click
here for reader comments...
| 
