–following moving thanksgiving service

THE body of veteran journalist and retired Guyana Chronicle Editor, Mr. George Baird was on Friday laid to rest following a moving thanksgiving service at the Smith Memorial Congregational Church on Brickdam.

Mr. Baird, 76, died last Thursday at the Georgetown Public Hospital after a period of illness. He is survived by seven children and other relatives.
Officiating Minister was Pastor Justice Oslen Small, whilst the organist was Mrs. Lynette Cunha.

Viewing of the body was conducted at his home on Manatee Drive in South Ruimveldt Park earlier in the day, followed by a second viewing and tributes from 14:30 hrs.
There was a deluge of tributes from relatives, friends, and former colleagues from among the congregation of mourners and sympathisers.

Among those offering tributes were Editor of the Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Godfrey Wray; City Treasurer, Mr. Oscar Clarke; his relative, Mr Wayne Hinds; and former staffer of the

Guyana Chronicle, Mrs. Michelle Nurse on behalf of other media colleagues. The eulogy was read by Mrs. Sefa Maxwell, daughter of the deceased, while a tribute and reflections sent by a sister of the deceased, Ms. Joashaha Drakes of Puerto Rico, were read by his granddaughter Rayemargaret.

In the tributes read, Mr. Baird was remembered as being a consummate journalist who took his work seriously; very meticulous in his language, and passionate about his vocation as a media practitioner; and one who paid strict attention to detail. He was a stickler for excellence, and was generally known as having had respect for time and greater respect for ‘the Queen’s English’.

He was also remembered as having an incredible memory, and being someone who not only loved life, but was a good organiser as well.

His years of distinguished service in the media and his knowledge of diverse hinterland communities around Guyana, gleaned from tours he regularly made with Mr. Oscar Clarke, then Minister of Home Affairs, won him the favour of the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham who thereafter took him on several international trips and conferences , making him a ‘well rounded’ journalist.

Speakers in their tributes told of George Baird’s passion and commitment to journalism. With a ‘no-nonsense’ personality, he was both respected and feared by many young reporters who passed through his hands, but who now stand to benefit immensely from his tutelage and groundings.

Following the thanksgiving service, his body was interred at Le Repentir Cemetery.