– Reputed wife

THE PASSING of veteran journalist, Clem David, even though he was ailing from a heart condition, still came as a shock to his reputed wife and partner of 20 years, Charmaine Thomas.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, the businesswoman said she was shocked at his passing because he was his normal self early the morning, and even assisted her in getting some chores done before she departed for work.
“Clem had all that a woman would want in a husband; he was everything I could have asked for in a partner,” Charmaine reminisced, adding: “He was that added fillip I needed to motivate me into becoming a successful businesswoman.”
She also remembered him as being “jovial and helpful; always willing to lend a helping hand to someone.”
Born at Weldaad on the West Coast of Berbice, Clem, in addition to his reputed wife, is survived by his five children (Warren, Lance, Sonja and Onica David and Shondell Clarke), sister (Joanna), many relatives and friends, some of whom live overseas and will be coming for the funeral.
He was one of four children born to his parents, now deceased, as are two of his siblings, including his twin.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Press Association (GPA), in a statement issued by its president, Gordon Moseley, said it is deeply saddened by Clem’s passing. The text of that statement reads:
“Mr. David will be remembered for his sterling contribution over the years towards the Guyana landscape as a journalist and broadcaster. His voice, for many years, woke us up, and in some cases, was the last voice we heard before we went to sleep.
“Clem David became a steady presence in many homes through our radios and television sets, and built a very loyal following with his ‘Sunrise Morning Show’ on CNS 6; a following that was encouraged every weekday morning to ‘come together.’
“As a journalist and News Editor, he was never afraid to investigate further to get to the bottom of a story, and reminded local journalists throughout his professional life that they were the voice of the people and ought to take that job seriously.
“He would often guide young reporters about their writing style and enunciation and pronunciation, and encouraged many of them to stick to the facts and seek out the truth. He personally was never discouraged by the barbs thrown at him during his career as a journalist.
“The Guyana media corps has lost a true colleague and friend, and the country as a whole has lost one of its shining stars.”
He was also fondly remembered in tribute by former colleague, Dhanraj Bhagwandin, better known as ‘Bhagi’, who wrote:
“I join with you in paying tribute to Clem. As a young journalist at the Guyana News Agency, I listened to his commentaries with deep interest. His persuasive style was a learning experience for me. He took a stance on issues, even when they were controversial, and for this I admired him.”
And Pauline Gardner, who had the privilege of working with him said: “…Clem [was] a consummate newscaster and perfectionist when it came to his work.
“He and Cecil Griffith were very influential in my young career as a broadcaster at both GBS and then GBC. I could always call on Clem for help with anything — from pronunciation to enunciation. He was always ready, willing and able to extend a helping hand.
“He could be tough… don’t get it twisted! And I would often hear him engaged in heated debates with his colleagues. For me, that was so entertaining, as it would often be a battle of the intellects. He was boisterous when it came to playing dominoes too … didn’t like to lose. I think back on those days fondly and smile at the memories.
My life is richer for having shared some time with Clem. May he rest in peace.”
Veteran broadcaster, Margaret Lawrence, also added her bit. “I met Clem,” she said, “when I joined GBC in 1982. He was in the newsroom while I was in Programmes.
“Our interaction was mostly harmonious, and we respected each other’s professionalism over time, as I regarded him as my senior in the field. I admired his tenacity for news, and his eagerness to be innovative. We complimented each other’s work, as his was an integral part of programming.
He was also valued as an Announcer, as he hosted several programmes, including ‘Action Line’, and did several outside broadcasts. He was never timid to be constructively critical, or share praises to his colleagues.
All broadcasters have a network of friendship, and he and I were in constant communication since he left GBC.
“He was keen on returning to host his ‘Sunrise Show’ on Channel 6. ‘I’ll be back’ were always his parting words on our conversations. I deeply regret that he did not get his final wish. The last time I saw him was at a hang we held for veteran broadcaster, Alan Martindale on my birthday, Sept. 24, 2010.”