With most of Bermuda still reeling from news of the demise of the Mid Ocean News, I find thoughts of what this really means running fairly deep. Why? Because a free press is vital in any democracy in order to keep that door of probing open and to prevent misuse of authority by those in positions of power, especially when it comes to the welfare of an entire community.

The practice of journalism in its highest form remains a key instrument in helping to preserve proper values that decent people cherish in building a nation where the free press can operate with a single objective: To pursue the truth and inform the public in a responsible manner with no favour for this or that group based on political or racial connotations.

This places a heavy responsibility on the press, because its credibility depends on how it practises its journalism. It is impossible to please everyone, especially when something happens that badly affects the image of one group or another.

When this occurs, usually up go the cries of a biased press, whose only objective is to belittle someone or some group because of political affiliation or racial makeup. This is not to say that throughout history, that has not occurred. However, in weighing the pros and cons of the free press, despite its imperfections, it is too important to discard as that trouble maker, solely hellbent on focusing on the dark side of human nature.

To appreciate the challenging world of the free press, you need only consider the ugly world where the free press has been crushed, and where those in power are free to operate without accountability, or concern about what they do, or how they do it.

Such an atmosphere is the breeding ground of dictatorial structures that use any means to stay in power. In other words, when the free press is allowed to die, freedom is also a victim. No one should view the demise of the Mid Ocean news publication as a move in the right direction. Had it not been for bold journalism by that newspaper, the Bermuda Housing Corporation scandal which shook the roots of trust and integrity in this country, may never have seen the light of day.

It is always the responsibility of the press to probe and dig for truth in order to ensure that the people are not merely informed, but are better able make judgments based on facts no matter how unpleasant they may be at times.

Having worked for The Royal Gazette for a number of years, I experienced first hand incidents involving racism, and the negative perception by many who saw the press as a tool to protect only one section of the public. For example, I was once sent to cover a public meeting on my evening shift ,and was told by someone at the door that I was not welcome, because I was from The Royal Gazette. The speaker quickly noticed what was happening, and informed those present that it would be inappropriate to deny a reporter entry to a public meeting. He stressed that I was there as part of my job. I eventually covered the meeting without further incident.

Although the current economic squeeze around the world has forced several news publications off the scene, the task of journalism to inform must continue despite setbacks. Locally there are too many situations and issues that could mean the difference between Bermuda moving forward, or slipping into a new era of mistrust and fear.

Bermuda has a golden opportunity to mould what is now a multi-cultural society into a thriving democracy without discarding the great values that brought us this far. The historic clock cannot be turned back, and being obsessed with yesterdays wrongs will only stifle growth into a new day of understanding and tolerance.

The free press will always have a vital role to play in not only keeping the people informed, but also keeping their views on various issues out in the open for the good of the country. One can only wonder what would happen if the leaders of any country could act without having to fear being challenged by the free press. Freedom-loving people would be crushed into silence. No right-thinking Bermudian wants that. This has been the case in many countries where ruthless leaders have determined that the free press has been an obstacle. Many journalists around the world continue to pay the ultimate price in trying to expose injustice and corruption.

Our leaders must be seen to be holding up the banner of respect for the free press if the people are to ever have trust in those charged with conducting the country's affairs, with a high degree of transparency, that allows the truth to always be the front runner.

It is the job of the free press to keep a watchful eye on protecting those qualities that keep democracy alive.