Followers of the online blogs Times Caribbean and St. Kitts Nevis Times are increasingly criticising the platforms for their perceived bias and lack of journalistic integrity. Both blogs present themselves as credible news outlets and have been called out for failing to meet the stanyodards expected of reputable media organisations.
Despite speculation about ownership, neither Times Caribbean nor St. Kitts Nevis Times disclose their writers or proprietors and operate entirely anonymously. Their website, timescaribbeanonline.com, explicitly identifies itself as a blog and provides no contact information. The frequent reliance on “anonymous sources” to lend credibility to articles has often backfired.
One notable incident occurred on 11th April, 2024, when Times Caribbean published a piece titled “Healthcare Crisis Deepens: Families Outraged as Wrong Body Buried After Mix-Up at JNF Hospital.” The blog later retracted the article and issued an apology to Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew after the wild allegations it leveled were swiftly debunked by the Ministry of Health and JNF Hospital. Despite the severe backlash, the blog has continued publishing its assertions under the guise of journalism.
Most recently, the blogs faced further criticism after a post titled “Gang Members Abandon Elevate Program in St. Kitts and Nevis While Still Receiving Payments, Citing Rising Violence and Lack of Daily Work” reignited public debate. The article claimed that gang members were leaving the government’s Elevate programme due to dissatisfaction and escalating violence. However, during a presentation on 5th December by the Citizen Security Task Force, data from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force contradicted these claims.
According to the Task Force’s findings from its 90-Day Campaign on Crime and Violence, homicides had decreased by 66 percent, and overall crime had dropped by 19 percent between September and December 2024. These statistics sharply undermined the blog’s assertions.
In the comments section of the controversial article, one reader remarked, “It’s a shame. When news articles are written with the intent of propaganda. How do these newsletters expect people to have confidence in what they write when there is clear bias in their reporting?”
The blog’s moderators responded defensively, asserting that bias is inherent in all institutions, including major global news outlets adding, “Bias and opinion are inherently human traits, and no institution is entirely immune to them.”.
Another commenter noted, “Anyone with good journalism skills can tell you this St. Kitts Times is a very biased site or anyone with good reading skills could notice it.”
Media Outlets Defend the Integrity of Their Profession
This controversy comes amid a broader challenge faced by legitimate, registered media houses in St. Kitts and Nevis. Earlier this month, established media organisations united to condemn a wave of cyberattacks targeting their credibility. Cloned websites and fake social media accounts have been used to spread false information, damaging public trust.
One prominent example involved a fake platform mimicking The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. The fraudulent site used the Observer’s logo and website design to publish malicious content, misleading the public and tarnishing the reputation of genuine news outlets.
Similarly, SKN Source was exploited earlier this year in a phishing scam designed to deceive readers and undermine the platform’s credibility.
Combating Disinformation
These attacks have provoked deep concern among media professionals, who view them as a direct assault on journalistic integrity and the public’s right to accurate information. The increasing prevalence of anonymous bloggers and unaccountable social media commentators exacerbates the spread of disinformation.
Under another St. Kitts Nevis Times post, one commenter underlined the issue, stating, “When you create content under the guise of a blog but claim to be a news agency, the public is misled. That is dangerous.”
Media professionals are urging citizens to remain vigilant, encouraging them to verify the sources of information they consume. They emphasise the importance of transparency and ethical reporting to safeguard the credibility of journalism in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Be the first to comment on "Times Caribbean, SKN Times Face Backlash Over Bias and False Reporting"