The central administration complex in Road Town which houses several government offices. (GIS photo)

Members of the local press disputed a recent government request to submit questions ahead of the prime minister’s October 28 press conference.

The request was reportedly submitted by Department of Information and Public Relations Chief Information Officer Desiree Smith.

It is unclear whether all media houses will submit questions in advance, as requested. But a member of the local press took to Facebook to show his disapproval of the government’s request.

“In October 2007, Prime Minister Ralph T O’Neal wanted the press to submit questions before press conferences. Prime Minister Wheatley came with the same [thing] about submitting questions today ahead of Friday’s press conference,” a Facebook post read.

” It will not arrive ! Politicians do not control the press. We are not GIS.

Press freedom continues to be a problem in the BVI.

At press conferences held by elected leaders, it is also customary for elected leaders to ask local reporters to ask only questions about the topic of the press conference and no other matters of national importance.

This practice does not occur in many other well-respected jurisdictions.

Our press center, for example, often receives no response from elected leaders when questions are submitted via WhatsApp or email.

In contrast, the governor’s office generally responds to questions submitted by BVI News.

Over the years, BVI News has experienced mixed reactions from senior officials who are asked to answer questions submitted by our news center on behalf of the general public. Some made credible efforts to respond to our survey while others hesitated to be held accountable.