fp Turks and Caicos

It gives me great pleasure to be able to bring you greetings on behalf of the management and staff of the fp — previously the Free Press — during its 20th Anniversary Celebration.

When the opportunity presented itself in October 2009 for me to continue the long tradition and legacy of this prestigious newspaper by taking on the role of publisher of the fp, I knew that I could not pass it up, even though it came with great challenges at the time — the primary one being the economical challenge.

Failure of the fp was not an option for me given the importance of the fp for the TCI community and after the passionate work of the past editorial team, headed by Dr. Gilbert M.N.O. Morris to revive it a few years prior. The fp’s challenges were and are no different from the country’s, and we were confident that with prudent management, innovative thinking and a creative team the fp would not only survive, but regain its full reputation and grow. We knew that getting there would be a challenge, but we felt that if we continued to offer a quality product we could make it happen.

In January 2010, we launched a new name and design (we hope you like it) with a simple goal: staying true to our philosophy of objectively reporting the news — not writing it — throughout the year in spite of the economic and political difficulties surrounding all of us.

To ensure the independence of the fp, I knew that it was important for me not to influence — directly or indirectly — its editorial direction, and so, I removed myself from all editorial decisions — except for the suggestion that we align ourselves with a globally acclaimed partner for the international news sections resulting in the successful integration of Los Angeles Times content. Outside of that, I am happy to see the fp at the same time the general public sees it — every Thursday — and pay the same price the public pays — nothing.

My goal to ensure the fp’s independence was put to the test when I entered the stage of politics. If there was ever a time during which I could have wanted to dictate the editorial direction of the fp it would have been then. I am proud to be able to say that at no time during my campaign did I favor the fp over the other newspapers and at no time did it favor me over the other candidates.

My best memory of that time was when the fp printed an article — with studies to back it up — that was opposing my position about the Chalk Sound National Park issue, the day after I stated my position on a popular local radio station. Although that article indirectly challenged my position, I commend the editorial team ensuring the journalistic integrity of the fp.

Like many businesses and persons in the country, the fp was a victim of the TCI Bank closure. And like for all others, it came at a time when the fp could least afford it. Just when the started to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the TCI Bank failure turned that light back off. The country was hurting, and the fp knew firsthand how that pain felt. The fp was not only reporting about one of the worst crisis that the country was facing, it was also living it.

Like the country, the fp faced this crisis and became stronger for it. Of course, some tough decisions had to be made to streamline the costs, but never at the expense of its integrity or content quality. Along the way the team did a lot of soul searching, but every Thursday they rose to the occasion and produced “All the news that’s fit to print.”

Now one year later, the fp can proudly look back at 2010 and say that it achieved its simple goal — it published the news the way it happened while retaining its independence.

In closing, the fp wishes the Turks and Caicos Islands and all its loyal readers and supporters a Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year. We kept you informed for 20 years, and we look forward to another successful 20 years together.

Thank you Turks and Caicos!

E. Jay Saunders
Publisher
First Publishing (fp)