Editorial
Freedom Fromthe Press
In a small community such as ours, where'marl road' hearsay often flirts with half-truths, great caremust be taken in the presentation of what is considered to benews of the day, worthy of sharing with the public, who have aright to know.
Consistently, a straight, fearless responsibility for presentingthe news at times, provokes leaders from the public and privatesectors to take umbrage at the will of a newspaper which daresto publish information it believes to be reliable, thereby fulfillingits commitment of the public's right to know. We admit, our styleof reporting supports positions which do not necessarily benefitbrokers of greed and power.
Owing to this manner of reporting, there have been instances wherebyCayman Net News' diligence in the search of the truth behind mattersaffecting the community, have drawn insalubrious, un-constructive,self-serving criticism from politicians and others who don't havethe resources the publisher and his staff of this newspaper garneredover three decades in going after the facts associated with thenews we choose to print.
Coming from behind to be a leader in any race - or the field ofmass media for that matter - has no doubt attracted certain jealousiesand the exasperation of cynics, who are becoming quite tired intheir quest to see our demise because of our resilience for survivaland winning, even in this atmosphere of economic doubt.
As publishers, we have experienced many an economic downturn andbattle to remain standing up for the truth before the collapseof our bankers in the early 70s, the devastating interest ratesof the oil crisis a few years later, the phenomenon of Orwell's'84, the Gulf War, and more. With this experience, we are certainlynot weary for the task at hand for Cayman Net News. However, wedo and will continue to hold our place and keep gaining ground,because we have the right and determination to do so.
Whatever, therefore, may be the malicious inclination by somelaw-makers and private sector leaders who will adversely besmirchor positively affect the fortune or trust we have gained fromthe community-at-large must stand up to the scrutiny of the verypeople who elected public officials and provided investors andfinancial industry players with a healthy atmosphere in whichto conduct business.
Our publication has a determined quest to report 'All Things Caymanian'without being subjected to any undue restraints and restrictions.Our findings will be published in the print edition for the localpopulace and globally because we are well read on the Internet.
On the other hand, we take responsibly our role on presentingnews. With this in mind, an alert press like our own may not thereforequalify as compatible with other media concerns, who manage andpresent the news to serve their own gripes and self-interests.
For far too long the Cayman Islands have been subjected to onemonopoly or the other. The control of print news and opinion heldover the public came to an end with the advent of Cayman Net Newsjust two years ago. With its existence, there will forever bea voice for everyone.
In today's society, public and private decision makers must thereforeconsider that it is a free press which gave them the lofty officesthey hold, while others have been deposed.
To accomplish the goals we desire for good order in the CaymanIslands, it therefore behooves us to remind those who may be ofadverse opinion and disquiet of our style of presenting the news,in support of press freedom.
With this in mind, we therefore reiterate that communication isa two-way street.