Central Broadcasting Services Limited (Radio and TV Jaagriti) has notified the United National Congress (UNC) that it will not broadcast future speeches of UNC MP Barry Padarath.
This, after the Telecommunications Authority warned CBSL about Padarath's use of the term "lazy son of a bi---" to describe Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
The CBSL notified UNC general secretary Peter Kanhai of the situation in a May 19 letter from station management. The Telecommunications Authority also received a copy of the letter.
The matter involved Padarath's term "lazy son of a bi---" which he used last December 5th in referring to Prime Minister Rowley during a UNC meeting carried on the CBSL stations. A repeat of the remarks made by Padarath at a meeting on May 15 was also cited by the CBSL.
The letter to Kanhai was signed by CBSL managing director Vijay Maharaj. It stated that members of the public and the Telecom Authority had drawn Padarath's December 2022 comments to the CBSL's attention.
On March 2, 2023, TATT issued a written warning to CBSL, stating that the repetitive use of the term "son of a bi--- was inappropriate, as it can be considered as offensive language, especially when broadcast at a time when children might be listening...."
CBSL told Kanhai, "We must add that we agree with TATT. However, on this occasion, we took no steps as we were of the view that it was a singular utilisation of offensive language."
However, the company noted a repeat of the remarks on May 15, following which there were "overwhelming complaints."
Guardian Media was told that when the remarks were launched in May, the station cut transmission of Padarath's remark.
The company informed Kanhai it was seeking legal advice on what steps should be taken in relation to TATT "an /or our continued business with the UNC."
In the meantime, "having regard to what is clearly MP Padarath's pattern of employing insulting and abusive comments, we are constrained to advise that with immediate effect, CBSL will not broadcast any further/future speeches of MP Padarath."
The UNC was told that if it desired that the CBSL broadcast any future UNC event, "We will be cutting any coverage of Mr Padarath..."
The warning letter which the Telecommunications Authority sent to Central Broadcasting Services Limited (Radio and TV Jaagriti) over the speeches made by United National Congress (UNC) MP Barry Padarath.
Station MD stands firm
Contacted by Guardian Media, CBSL managing director Vijay Maharaj, standing by the letter, said the station's stance hasn't changed on the matter, since it hasn't been resolved.
He said the UNC hadn't responded in writing, but officials had indicated they would ask Padarath to be "softer." But Maharaj cited the company's letter.
Maharaj said CBSL could not jeopardise its licence. He noted that UNC meetings are carried simultaneously on its TV and radio stations.
"This situation happened outside of election season. We're now in election season so we will be more careful and watch the language of others also," he said.
UNC officials silent, Padarath defiant
Guardian Media sent queries to UNC general secretary Kanhai on the issue but received no reply. Nor did UNC chairman Dave Tancoo reply.
However, contacted on the issue, Padarath said, "The comment used was a quote from Ancel Roget describing Rowley. I have no regrets. Rowley has said the most disgusting profane things about Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
"The double standards and hypocrisy in this country amazes me. Not a word from TATT and other groups when Rowley referred to Kamla Persad-Bissessar's behaviour as 'Jammetry' and spoke about 'cyat, sucking at the nipples' et cetera," Padarath added.
"I simply quoted what Roget had to say about Rowley. No regrets. Why was this not an issue when Roget said it? Let us not forget that TATT is appointed by the government and this government is intent on suppressing the democracy and voices of the people."