Bryan resignation raises questions

The resignation of Cayman 27 reporter Kenneth Bryan on Monday, 14 May, could have some implications for other media personalities with similar intentions to run for public office. 

Mr. Bryan, who announced his resignation at a press conference at Cayman 27’s studios explained what led him to make the decision. 

“Because of rumours that I may run for office in the next election, it has been raised whether it is appropriate for me to stay with the television station. And though my decision has not been made yet, I am resigning, as it I feel it is wrong for me to put the credibility and the integrity of the station at risk,” said Mr. Bryan. 

The reporter had indicated that he would be running for public office in front of several journalists days earlier. He later recanted, explaining that his decision was not yet final.  

Others in the media such as local radio talk show hosts, as well as newspaper reporters, who the public may also be beginning to perceive as possible candidates can still be heard and seen in the public arena on a regular basis. The Caymanian Compass spoke with Randy Merren of the Hurley’s Group, who owns Rooster 101.9FM and Z99.9FM. He explained his position concerning this issue.  

“I am of the view that as long as no official statement or announcement has been made regarding a person’s intentions to run then there is no reason for them to resign. I do feel that once they declare, they should step down.” Mr. Merren added that he was of the view that someone who works at Rooster currently will make a declaration for candidacy in the upcoming election. 

“People still have to make a living and until it’s official, I see no reason for them to leave,” explained Mr. Merren, who did accept that now Member of the Legislative Assemble Elio Solomon may have remained at the station too long after making his intentions to run known before the 2009 General Election. 

Mr. Solomon resigned from the Rooster talk show just weeks before being elected as a representative for the District of George Town.  

Cayman 27 Programme Director April Cummings explained that journalists should be expected to operate at a higher standard of integrity than some other areas of the media. 

“For a journalist the standard may be higher than that of say a radio talk show host but we cannot focus on any other media house. Our decisions have to be based on the tenets of journalism, which forbid conflicts of interest. Even the appearance of impropriety or lack of objectiveness has to be taken seriously. Every news organisation should ask itself these questions, as this is the foundation of the field,” she explained. Mrs. Cummings added that the smaller a community, the more challenging and important this becomes. 

During the interim between now and the election Mr. Bryan said he will be doing freelance assignments. The method by which his reports will be disseminated has not been announced.