Minister Fonseca comments on media exclusion from Dr.Martinez’ swearing in ceremony

Last night, the Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca was at a media event in Placencia where he spoke on the importance of free press in a functioning democracy. Ironically, just a few hours earlier, the media was excluded from the swearing in of Dr Osmond Martinez, and were left to wait on the road side as the politicians gathered inside the Belize House for the event.  Despite efforts to gain access, several reporters were told to wait outside until the swearing-in event was over.  It is not the first time that reporters have been left to the mercy of the elements in the line of duty, but after being denied access to yesterday’s event, Minister Francis Fonseca was asked to weigh on the matter and the continuous mistreatment of the media.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “I should tell you that I was the first one to raise that issue when I got in because when I arrived there I saw the press outside basically on the street and I thought that that is absolutely uncalled for. So when I got there I raised it and I was told that it was protocol, the Governor General’s office protocol. I don’t understand it and I don’t support it but you know it’s their….well it’s the people’s house but the Governor General was having an official ceremony and they said the Government Press Office would provide the feed to everybody else and when I was leaving I rolled down my window to speak to your reporter who was on the ground to tell her that they were coming out because I asked Osmond when he comes out make sure he talks to the press and so I saw her and I told her that they were coming out shortly. But I agree with you there is no proper explanation for any of that. The press should be allowed in. You’re swearing in a servant, supposedly a servant of the people, the people should be able to see that first hand.”

Interestingly, Belize rank on Freedom of the Press fell from 51st place last year to 54th for 2024, indicating a diminishing of that freedom.