Perspective: Stephen Shaw Is Damaged … Chesterfield Bridge Revisited …

The vexed issue of the lack of knowledge of the Chesterfield Foot Bridge is still causing ripples in media circles.  A leading TV station felt compelled to “retrack” a story in which the now infamous Stephen Shaw’s statement was uttered.  Shaw in his own words said he knew nothing about the progress of the bridge. Was that the whole truth?

Milton Walker

We spoke to Mr. Milton Walker, News Director or a similar title at Television Jamaica (TVJ). regarding the station’s decision to issue a form of “retraction” or “apology” to Mr. Stephen Shaw.  Mr. Walker said inter alia ” After reviewing the tape we felt our editing may have given the wrong impression on what Mr. Shaw said”  We are still confused, but decided not to pursue the matter any further.
We have no choice but to conclude that the utterance of Mr. Stephen Shaw in response to the question asked in that TV interview regarding the progress of the Chesterfield Foot Bridge was direct and in our view did not appear (to us) to be ambiguous.

Mr. Stephen Shaw is a senior communications practitioner, so when he speaks he is expected to speak clearly.  His role is to put his client NWA in the best light possible. If he happens not to know about an issue … he is expected to say so and promise to get the information and return with same.  No one is asking Shaw to lie or play politics.  We expect the truth and nothing but the truth from Mr. Stephen Shaw.  Should we expect otherwise?

In His Own Words

Mr Stephen Shaw spoke in his own words.  He was not quoted, so no one could claim he (Mr. Shaw) was misquoted.

We are of the view that Mr. Stephen Shaw is damaged.  My friend Peter, a keen observer of current affairs went further when he said “Stephen Shaw is damaged goods”

Fabrication

We now know that the parts for the Chesterfield bridge are being fabricated in China. There are six (6) other bridges being fabricated in China. Will they be ready together?  Time will tell.

Is the Manager Communications at the National Works Agency (NWA) Mr. Stephen Shaw damaged?  The verdict is yours as usual.

Damaged, eh!

Mr. Stephen Shaw could be considered “damaged” because his utterances on the Chesterfield Foot bridge appeared to be out of character as it was felt that he did not conduct himself at the high standard expected of someone at his level.  Mr. Stephen Shaw has been for some time viewed as the voice of the National Works Agency (NWA)  … highly regarded has been his utterances, most f not all media houses normally turn to him for updates and news out of the Works Agency.  He was seen as the authority on news there.

For many, Shaw’s conduct has been a big let down … hence he being seen as damaged.

This is our perspective. What is yours? Let us get your feedback, please.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.,