Tributes are pouring in from throughout the Caribbean following the loss of life of Rickey Singh, a pioneering Guyana-born journalist whose storied profession spanned greater than six a long time. Singh, a lifelong advocate of press freedom and regional unity, died on Saturday, July 5, 2025, after a protracted sickness.
Political leaders and media professionals from throughout the area have described Singh’s passing because the “finish of an period” in Caribbean journalism—one outlined by fearless reporting, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to fact.
A voice past borders
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley praised Singh as a journalist whose work transcended geography.
“Rickey, like many media practitioners of his day, had his roots firmly planted in a single nation, however his coronary heart, spirit, and soul flowed all through this area just like the Caribbean Sea,” Mottley stated in an announcement. “Few command the respect that he did when it comes to regional politics and present occasions.”
She famous that Singh’s byline grew to become synonymous with main political milestones within the area—from the overthrow of Grenada’s Eric Gairy in 1979 to the assassination of Walter Rodney in Guyana, and the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983.
“His work epitomized regional cooperation even when our leaders struggled with this idea,” Mottley mirrored. “Rickey is 100% Caribbean journalist… His dedication to regionalism moderately than insularity ought to be prime of thoughts to all of us.”
A grasp of his craft
In Guyana, Minister Kwame McCoy additionally paid tribute to Singh, recalling his journalistic beginnings on the Guiana Graphic—later renamed the Guyana Chronicle—in 1957.
“Rickey devoted his life to journalism,” McCoy stated. “To know Rickey Singh’s work was to understand his mastery in language, his sharpness in crucial pondering, and his smoothness when speaking complicated political conditions.”
McCoy remembered Singh’s writing as important studying, noting, “His work wasn’t confined to Guyana. He left his mark on Trinidad, Barbados and all through the area.”
A brave regional voice
Sir Ron Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to Washington, described Singh as “an enormous in Caribbean journalism,” recognized for his braveness and unwavering pursuit of justice—even at private price.
“He by no means hesitated to carry recalcitrant politicians to account, incomes him each admiration and terror,” Sanders stated. “His unyielding dedication to fact price him so much—he grew to become an exile, refugee, and even a deportee within the Caribbean.”
Regardless of these challenges, Singh remained resolute in his advocacy for Caribbean unity and inclusion, utilizing his platform to form public discourse throughout the area.
“Rickey Singh, regardless of his diminutive stature when it comes to bodily dimension, was an enormous,” Sanders declared. “His legacy endures. His writings will remind us of the significance and freedom of expression of human rights.”
From his early years reporting in Guyana to his tenure as editor of Caribbean Contact—the publication of the Caribbean Convention of Church buildings—Singh championed regional points lengthy earlier than they grew to become central to CARICOM coverage. He based the Caribbean Affiliation of Media Employees (CAMWORK), and his affect prolonged to its successor, the Affiliation of Caribbean Media Employees (ACM).
In its tribute, the ACM described Singh as a journalist who was “born in Guyana, however belongs to the Caribbean,” echoing the feelings of veteran Trinidadian reporter Tony Fraser.
Singh’s profession included protection of practically each main election within the Caribbean, high-profile interviews with world leaders comparable to Fidel Castro and Eric Williams, and advocacy for the rights of Haitians and different marginalized communities within the area.
In 2023, he obtained an honorary doctorate from the College of the West Indies and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Authorities of Guyana, solidifying his standing as one of many area’s most revered journalistic voices.
Singh is survived by his youngsters—Donna, Debbie, Raoul, Allison, Wendy, and Ramon Singh—in addition to different kinfolk and grandchildren. The household has acknowledged that funeral preparations might be introduced at a later date.
Because the Caribbean displays on Singh’s life and legacy, it mourns not simply the lack of a veteran journalist, however of a regional patriot whose voice, although now silent, helped form the area’s journey towards unity, justice, and democracy.
