When pictures tell a story
I BELIEVE some of our ministers need to learn to take it on the chin.
I make reference to the Education Minister’s arguments pertaining to a newspaper report that brought to light the plight of students faced with a photo she claimed was “old” and “misleading”, further adding that she had verified the photo.
But her argument was found wanting after the village headman’s confirmation that a newspaper team had actually spent a whole day in their village covering the story. This begs the question of her claims that she had verified the photo. Did she really?
And what is she going to say now? Will she apologise and admit her mistake? Will she stand out from the rest of her colleague ministers who are known to be always quick to defend themselves when they are found wanting?
Recently, I watched the minister interviewed on a TV breakfast show and I gathered that she has a life to herself besides politics, which is great. And also she’s very charismatic. I admire her for that.
But it is so unbecoming of our politicians to be using the defensive ploy without first ascertaining all facts.
Madam, may I kindly remind you that it’s normal to make mistakes.
It’s perfectly fine, everyone does that.
Instead, be more appreciative of The Fiji Times newsroom for bringing pressing and pertinent issues to light so that you are not oblivious to what’s happening around you.
May I conclude that The Fiji Times is always totally and fully committed to ethical newspaper reporting. It is fair, credible, reliable and very responsible. And it always admits its mistakes with a “correction” notification column.
I suggest you buy yourself a copy of The Fiji Times daily.
ALIPATE TUBERI
Suva