Otago Daily Times featured a gutless cartoon in their paper this morning making fun of the measles epidemic in Samoa that has claimed 55 lives, 23 of them babies under 12 months and 27 children between 1 and 4 years old.
The cartoon features a conversation between two women leaving a travel agency. One lady asks “what are the least popular spots at the moment?”
“The ones people are picking up in Samoa” the other lady replied.
Cartoonist: Garrick Tremain of Otago TimesSince then the Otago Daily Times have released a weak apology regarding the cartoon illustrated by Garrick Tremain, that states:
“Today the Otago Daily Times published a cartoon making reference to the measles crisis in Samoa.”
“The content and timing of the cartoon was insensitive and we apologise for publishing it.”
The Apology.Well known NZ Journalist John Campbell took to Twitter to express his disgust over ODT’s actions. Campbell describes the cartoon as “terrible” and a “shameful assault”.
John Campbell re-tweeted Sita Leota’s post.Garrick Tremain has had a history of making sexist/racist/harmful cartoon strips.
Garrick Tremain has done this before.Samoa continues to try and contain the measles outbreak with latest reports confirming 3,881 cases to date. The New Zealand Government has mobilised the Royal New Zealand Air force to deliver vaccines and medical stores to Samoa and had funded 100,000 MMR vaccines through UNICEF.
- Brian Limā names his First Squad as Manu 7s Head Coach - August 31, 2020
- Tepatasi are the Vodafone Samoa National 7s Champions 2020 - August 29, 2020
- Tepatasi Upset Taula All Stars to Make Cup Finals - August 29, 2020
