CHANGING MEDIA CIRCUMSTANCES FOR OUR TIME

The media as one of the pillars of society is once again called upon to rise to the occasion at a time of threat to the nation.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis, the likes of which most, if not all, in our society have never experienced.

In these challenging times, information - especially factual information - is crucial.

A free, fair and factual press is one of the essential elements that projects and reflects a functioning society and democracy. It’s one of our constants.

Its absence can have a similar psychological effect as the absence of street lighting in a blackout, in this case plunging a society into metaphorical ‘darkness’.

We are proud of our free press in Cayman and are equally proud that we can stand and say that Government has recognised the role of the press and in the main has been very accessible.

We hope that this balance continues. Ultimately, it's the community which benefits.

A well-informed community, where debate is open, free, frank and responsible is a beacon of democracy.

Long may that beacon shine in Cayman.

Here at Caymanian Times (and we are sure that we speak for our colleagues), we take this responsibility very seriously.

But as essential as our service is, at the proverbial 'end of the day', we are also businesses subject to all - and more - of the vagaries of doing business.

Media too are at risk from the disruptions caused by coronavirus COVID-19.

Fortunately, due to a robust business model the Caymanian Times is uniquely positioned to weather the storm. We will continue to print and deliver our newspaper five days per week as soon Cayman Airways takes to the skies on a regular basis. For the next two weeks we will use the services of IBC to deliver our paper three days per week.

But as it is with this contagion, where one member of the family shows symptoms and decides to go into isolation or scale down, we don't abandon them, we support them.

Like the COVID-19 crisis, we are all in this together and must support each other.

In that spirit, we urge the residents of Cayman to respond positively to the appeal of our media colleagues at Cayman Compass.

The Compass has been an institution-like fixture in Cayman community for fifty years.

For a business, that's laudable. For a media establishment, that makes it an institution.

Whatever path they choose to take, long may Cayman Compass continue to be one of the pillars of journalism in these islands.

Like our media colleagues, we commit to continue providing our readers with timely, in-depth news coverage, thought-provoking commentaries, community information and a space for businesses and Government to get their information out to the public - especially in these challenging times.

As we have always said we are our brother’s keeper and the challenges that other businesses may experience is no reason for gloating.

We will step up to the plate and fill the gap where necessary as we are aware of the role that media plays in society.

We are already seeing the results from our line of questioning from the press briefings as some of our suggestions have been adopted.

The printed paper will continue to be our number one priority, we shall also be adding to our online output.

Our Cayman community will weather this COVID-19 storm and Caymanian Times will be there to record this period in local and world history.

We urge our readers to take COVID-19 seriously.

Obey the laws, follow official instructions and rely on verified information.