DNA’s Responds To Observer Radio’s Decision To Stifle Free Speech

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The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) learned via a WhatsApp Message from Darren Matthew Ward, Host of the Observer AM, sent to Executive Member Anthony Stuart that “[a] decision was made by the board and management of News1 (sic) that the DNA will not continue to have a dedicated Thursday… so I will not be able to accommodate Ms. Massiah tomorrow…I will be able to accommodate the Party in the future as the situation arises, but not a dedicated day as has been the case.”

In reflecting on the message DNA’s Political Leader, Joanne Massiah, stated “clearly, this decision is a direct retaliation to the DNA’s decision not to participate in the Faithful Nationals march last Thursday which we maintain lacks strategy…so, having failed in their ongoing public bullying, intimidation and threats, Observer radio has decided to trample on free speech and freedom of expression…the hypocrisy is glaring and blinding!” Massiah continued, “it can now be officially confirmed that the Faithful Nationals, the Movement and Observer/NewsCo exist for one sole reason – to pursue their ill-fated mission to attempt to resuscitate a near comatose UPP…will this unholy coalition exact the same punishment upon the youth of our country whose support they also failed to win and who, on the eve of
our 38th anniversary of independence expressed enlightening views on the state of our politics on the Big Issues program on Sunday October 27, 2019?”

And in one fell swoop, the media outlet which touts itself as “the only independent media house in Antigua and Barbuda” has demonstrated that it is far worse than its rivals which its condemns, criticizes and chastises day in, night in and day out, night out regarding their disregard for democratic principles and constitutional guarantees! Evidently, the Observer/NewsCo management and board members have shamelessly abandoned its stated motto, “Let there be Light”.

Winston and Fergie Derrick must be spinning in their graves. No longer can listeners rely on sober and reasoned discussions to controversial and troubling national issues.

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16 COMMENTS

  1. The right to free speech does not entitle the DNA to mandatory air time on any specific radio station. Yes, free speech is a right but there is
    no right to have your speech broadcasted to the world. If you want your free speech to be broadcasted, use your own money and start your own radio station. Do for yourself and stop expecting others to do for you.

  2. Good for Observer to discontinue the DNA crap.What does the DNA stand for,absolutely nothing.I am a financial contributor to NewsCO,Observer. The NewsCo/Observer Radio is not a DNA,UPP,ABLP,True Labor and or Go Green Station.It is privately owned and operated.The Operators have a right to determine who comes onto that Station and spread their political gospels. By the way DNA are irrelevant as a political party in Antigua and Barbuda.I believe they received less than 2,000 votes as a Political Party in the 2018 elections.What a darn shame so now they crying.LOL.

  3. Hell hath no fury,like a woman scorned.Joanne Massiah surely sounds like a woman scorned.Laughter is good for the mind.If you do have one.

    • She is NOT a woman scorned. She is a strong woman who stands up for what she believes to be right. She is more than even half the leader Lovell could ever hope to be. Clearly Lovell saw her as a threat in the run off for leadership of the UPP, so that’s why he badplayed her. And he still LOST HIS SEAT!!! His pipedream of becoming PM in Antigua and Barbuda will not see the day of light. Badmind nah play.

      On another note, the man who hosts the show on Observer and said that our passport is of no value to him because he has a US passport, said that Serpeant told them to hold back the press release issued by the DNA with regards to the protest action held last week. Since when media houses refuse to issue press releases? Serpeant is the real dictator.

  4. Before reading this article my thought was really? because DNA did not join the match NewsCo throw dem way? Then reading Ms. Messiah articulate that much. Honestly, at one point I listened to Observer religiously however, I think NewsCo has lost its way and can no longer claim to be independent. Most of the talk shows with the exception of Observer AM with Daren Matthew-Ward Are blatantly partisan/political favoring the UPP over the ALP. UPP can do no wrong and ALP is always wrong and if anyone calls in stating the contrary the hosts belittle them, bully them, cast sarcastic remarks and paint them as illiterate fools who lack love of country. This is really shameful and NewCo should realize that no matter how they spin this it is what it is. People can see/hear. DNA though not receiving many votes in the last election, in my humble opinion has some great ideas and their way of looking at things in our fair country is a breathe of fresh air and brings a side of the conversation that has never been brought to the fore in the past. Just my 2 cents on how I see things.

  5. Joanne Massiah and the DNA.Here is an idea.Bring your circus to the Pointe FM.Then if accepted,you would be right at home.

    • Lovell.
      Lovell is as useless as they come. IF he is the best leader the party can come up with, then another election will be lost.

  9. Its been said many a times that the DNA is irrelevant so why the haste to remove their right to be on a private radio station!!!!!! ABS is paid for by the tax payers why not ask for time Miss Massiah.

    I will admit the optics dont look good but its management’s right. free speech doesnt give any party a dedicated day. She can call VOP when there is an open line. I wouldnt advice her to call knight at nights. He is kinda aggressive.

  10. Here is where politicians try to mislead people…..According to the article they did not stifle the party they simply Not giving them the airtime which they have a right to do…..however it would appear that the management thought that DNA would join them in there charade and since they didn’t, hence the question “Why should we accommodate them on the air if they are not supporting our charade”? Who in the world would think that OM/Nco is an independent media house same as it is with ZDK or Pointe FM? Wonder how long these financial contributors will continue to contribute before the one big something expose? How long can one expect to continue a private business relying on public contributors?

  11. There is a path for DNA to build, grow and expand after this event and the belief they are dealing with ‘a near comatose UPP’. The political pundits will record this and watch and wait.

  13. JOANNE MESSIAH IS CORRECT . THE UPP IS TRYING THEIR BEST TO BE RELEVANT THROUGH THE EYES OF THE FAITHFUL NATIONALS. THE OBSERVER RADIO IS UPP . STARTING WITH THE MORNING PROGRAM TO THE EVENING. SERPENT ET AL WILL BE THE DOWNFALL OF OBSERVER RADIO. I WAS READING THE POINTE EXPRESS NEWSPAPER.THIS NEW PAPER WILL DO VERY WELL IN ANTIGUA. THE ANTIGUA OBSERVER NEWSPAPER BETTER STEP UP THEIR GAME. OTHERWISE THE OBSERVER WILL DESTROY THEMSELVES.

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