Veteran Caribbean journalist Rickey Singh, a fearless and influential voice in regional media for over 5 many years, handed away on July 5 at his house in Barbados. He was 89.
Born in Guyana in 1935, Singh overcame early hardship after shedding each dad and mom at a younger age. Raised by his siblings, he started his journalism profession at age 17 with the Guiana Graphic, and by no means appeared again.
His work would span international locations, conflicts, and generations, making him one of the revered and, at instances, controversial figures in Caribbean journalism.
Identified for his sharp commentary and unwavering dedication to fact, Singh’s reporting captured key political moments throughout the area. He fearlessly challenged energy, together with Guyana’s Forbes Burnham and later administrations in Trinidad and Barbados, which revoked his work permits following vital studies. Regardless of these setbacks, Singh remained dedicated to the Caribbean story, finally settling in Barbados along with his spouse and 6 youngsters.
He contributed to main publications just like the Guyana Chronicle, Barbados Nation, Jamaica Gleaner, and Trinidad Guardian, in addition to worldwide platforms just like the BBC and Caribbean Information Company (CANA). His daring interviews included regional giants akin to Eric Williams and Cuba’s Fidel Castro.
Singh’s life in journalism was marked by hazard and devotion. He as soon as narrowly escaped a lynching in Buxton, survived a poisoning try, and confronted a dying squad in Georgetown. Regardless of the dangers, his perception in press freedom and regional unity by no means wavered.
Tributes poured in following his dying. Jamaican journalist Wesley Gibbings referred to as Singh “a person whose dedication to the Caribbean trigger was pushed by a love not simply replicated.” Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados praised his advocacy for Caribbean unity, calling him a task mannequin for future generations.
Singh, who was awarded an honorary doctorate from the College of the West Indies, maintained shut ties with iconic Caribbean thinkers like Martin Carter, George Lamming, and Derek Walcott. He additionally remained a loyal Pentecostal and a person of heat and humour, whilst he tackled essentially the most severe regional points.
Rickey Singh was, in each sense, a real Caribbean voice, unafraid, unbending, and unforgettable.
