THE Guyana Press Association (GPA) in a press statement said it mourns with the Caribbean and the world the passing on Friday of Broadcaster and International Public Servant Hugh Neville James Cholmondeley. “His contribution to the world of broadcasting in the region has been legendary and his indefatigable work in the United Nations System has been exemplary.”
“The Guyana Press Association is happy and proud that Cholmondeley paid so much interest in the development and growth of the media, not only in his home territory of Guyana but in the Caribbean Region and the world. He was a visionary. His initiative the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) and his commitment to the regional body rightfully earned him the well-deserved and respected position in the CBU’s Hall of Heroes.”
“Hugh Cholmondeley brought class, finesse, and pizzazz to post Independence radio and latterly Television Broadcasting in the Commonwealth Caribbean. He was a pioneer in sharing and executing regional radio and television programming and broadcasters. He helped to establish the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) and CARIMAC. He showed the rest of the world including colleagues in the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association what the islands and countries of the Caribbean can produce.”
GPA said for the post Independence media workers and those who followed, Cholmondeley served as a mentor, teacher, guide, mediator and example and his managerial and organisational skills were incomparable.
“He was meticulous in planning and suave in production. He was a Broadcaster’s Broadcaster!” GPA said.
The GPA said it shares the view of so many of his colleagues and contemporaries that his work as a media expert was outstanding. He served as UNESCO’s first Representative to the Caribbean opening the Kingston, Jamaica office. In that job he also opened numerous opportunities for those involved in the media, science and culture in the Region. He continued to make a sterling contribution as a Director at UNDP and in numerous other international assignments.
“His return to Guyana reignited and re-energised media and other issues including his brilliant work in helping to formulate a Media Code of Conduct in Guyana. Never the one to back down from making his well-informed opinions known, Cholmondeley plunged into the maelstrom of Guyanese Affairs, elections management and communications as if he were someone who never left. He drew from his long experience in conflict resolution and development matters internationally.”
“The GPA also remembers his insightful pronouncements on current issues delivered in his inimitable style, remarkable voice and with sophisticated wit. “
“The GPA expresses its sincere condolences to his wife, children, all his close relatives, friends and colleagues. The Caribbean has lost one of Broadcasting’s Finest!”