Freedom of the Press is Paramount 

On Friday, November 8, attorney of Glenn D. Godfrey and Company LLP, Immanuel Williams, wrote a letter to Great Belize Production Limited (Channel 5) and Tropical Vision Limited (Channel 7). The letter was in relation to the latest orders handed down by High Court Justice Tawanda Hondora.

Williams is representing Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow. He is among five claimants who have filed a lawsuit against Tracy Panton and former Secretary General Philipa Griffith-Bailey over the occupation of the party’s headquarters. The court granted the injunction, allowing Barrow and his team to reclaim the property, though the fixed-date claim filed by Williams remains pending.

The letter came after Williams, during a press briefing, told reporters, “Because it’s before the court, I would urge to say it’s an opportune time to not in fact declare anyone as a party leader since it’s before the court and has to be addressed.”

In his letter, Wiliams tells the free press, “…we ask that your publication refrain from referring to Honourable Mr. Moses Barrow as the “former UDP party leader” or making statements that would potentially damage his reputation or undermine his position as the duly elected leader of the United Democratic Party.”

Williams further stated, “Additionally, we would appreciate it if you refrained from referring to the Honourable Mrs. Tracy Taegar Panton as the “interim party leader” or promoting any similary narrative, s this matter is still before the Court and has not been resolved.”  He cautioned the media houses when reporting on the matter.

Panton, who says she is the interim leader of the UDP, went on social media to chastise the letter: “It is OUTRAGEOUS that the Legal Representative for Shyne Moses Barrow, Mr. Emmanuel Williams of Glen D Godfrey Law Firm is misrepresenting the ruling of the High Court to this nation by way of letters circulated to the Media. The ONLY matter decided at Friday’s Hearing was for a temporary injunction on the occupation of the UDP Headquarters.” 

Channel 7 Director Jules Vasquez, on his morning show on Monday, condemned the letter, which he described as “ridiculous” in nature. He said, “They are trying to control speech” and that “this is a nuisance letter,” while daring Barrow to send another letter. “It is really offensive to the concept of a free press.” 

Great Belize Productions Limited CEO Marleni Cuellar said, “We expect and understand that political figures may often disagree with coverage that does not fit their preferred narrative. However, we stand firm against attempts to restrict our reporting. As a responsible and professional media house, it is our duty to report the truth and provide balanced coverage. Any efforts to suppress our reporting undermine democracy and the values of a free press. Great Belize Television remains committed to accurate journalism and will not waver in our defense of press freedom, even in the face of threats.”

Responding to the letter was also Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold of Arnold and Company. Arnold tells Williams that “pending the trial, the press is perfectly entitled to report, without fear or favour, that there is a dispute between the parties as to whether or not your client is still the duly elected leader, or whether our client is the interim leader. And the press is free to analyse that dispute and to comment on its consequences as it sees fit, and it is not for you, or for us, to interfere with that freedom.”