“We had a farmer’s week the other day. One media company never even reported that the Farmer’s Week happened,” Dr Wheatley complained. “[They’re] just looking for nonsense and foolishness and sensational headlines to print all the time – as opposed to reporting what’s happening in the society.”

“They are the media. They are democratic institutions but some of them are just here to tear down the society – it’s clear to me,” Dr Wheatley continued.

He further contended that persons use the media as a platform to attack persons they dislike.

Speaking in the House of Assembly recently, the Dr Wheatley said while he is an advocate for critical analysis, he believes criticism needs to be principled and fair.

“I’m the last person who will shy away from criticism because I believe every democratic society needs persons who will critically examine the society,” he stated.

Despite all of this, Dr Wheatley said he felt there are some instances where persons unfairly criticise each other.

“There are many out there who, I don’t know why, but we’ve gotten into a habit of demonising each other and we believe the worst about each other,” Dr Wheatley said.

“Sometimes we seem to just flock to negativity and we get very excited for negative things which are taking place,” he added.

The legislator further said felt the advent of social media has made things worse with incessant rumours and gossip.

Lack of public support for legislation

Dr Wheatley said he entered politics “to help the people and to make the changes” that he felt were necessary.

“I can rest well at night, I can have peace because I know I’m in here for the right reasons to help people to transform the society from where it was to where it needs to be,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Premier said his party campaigned on good governance legislation which have since been brought to the House of Assembly.

However, he decried the lack of participation in government-hosted consultation meetings within the community.

“Now the legislation has gotten here, I’m already seeing persons trying to find a way to criticise the legislation and we as an administration, we consulted on the bill,” the minister said while speaking about government’s proposed Contractor General legislation.