St. George’s, June 10, 2010 (GIS) – Minister with responsibility for Culture and Information, Senator Arley Gill, has said that government is taking note of complaints being received about GBN programming and on the physical state of the network’s headquarters in St. George’s.

In one of the most vocal complaints, Senator Chester Humphrey called on government to consider reacquiring majority shares in the Grenada Broadcasting Network.

The majority shares in GBN – 60 percent – are owned by the Caribbean Communications Network, a subsidiary of One Caribbean Media (OCM) Limited.

Senator Humphrey, President General of the Technical and Allied Workers Union, charged that GBN has failed in its promises as a national communications’ provider.

He has accused management of performing poorly in respect of improving GBN’s physical facility, and of subjecting staff to what he described as “inhumane working conditions.’’

Senator Gill told the Government Information Service that he had received complaints about the operations of GBN from a number of individuals and organisations, with many concerned about the dilapidated condition of the network’s head offices.

“As Minister responsible for Information,’’ Sen. Gill said, “I have received quite a lot of calls and letters from members of the general public, including persons in civic society, complaining with regards to GBN programming, and also from the perspective of the employees and the state of the building where the television operation is.’’

The main office building, which is owned by GBN, was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The facility is still being used in its dilapidated condition, with GBN renting two other premises to carry on operations.

“We are aware of complaints and concerns expressed not only by Sen. Humphrey but, of course, Senator Humphrey’s comments – coming from the labour movement – is very significant,’’ said the Junior Information Minister. “But we are very aware of a lot of complaints coming from the general public with regard to GBN, and we have had occasion to write to GBN with regard to songs that are played by the network.’’

A statement from Victor Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of OCM, has expressed the company’s commitment to the refurbishment of the GBN headquarters.

“It is a fact that the refurbishing of the building at Observatory has taken inordinately long since it was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan,’’ the statement said.  “One Caribbean Media is acutely conscious of the delays that have affected this project which have been due to several factors including (1) design delays, and (2) ensuring that the new structure is affordable by GBN at a time when the media industry globally and in the region is facing very challenging times.’’

 Mr. Fernandes claims that OCM has kept the Grenada government informed, either through the government-appointed directors on the GBN board, or via direct communication with the Prime Minister’s Office, of developments at the network, including the refurbishing delays.

“We have accomplished a great deal since critical revised design decisions were taken some months ago,’’ he said, “and we expect that the contractor will take possession of the site in August 2010 with completion scheduled in 2011.’’

OCM apologised for the refurbishing delays and promised to create a “viable Grenada Broadcasting Network which maintains the highest standards of professional and editorial integrity, and which leverages the relationship with other units in the OCM group to provide quality programming for the people of Grenada.’’

 Meanwhile, Grenadian lawyer and newspaper columnist, Lloyd Noel, has taken GBN to task over the network’s reporting of this year’s carnival theme, “We Playing Ah Wicked Mas.’’

GBN sought public opinion on the word, “wicked,’’ claiming that with recent crimes in Grenada, the word could send an inappropriate message.

Now I ask in all seriousness, said Mr. Noel, “how much lower down the depths of absurdity can one stoop in making that suggestion or criticism?’’

He compared the theme to last year’s Tallpree calypso, “Ah Playing Ah Wicked Jab.’’ When Tallpree sang his calypso, “no one batted an eyelid,’’ Mr. Noel said.