Dear Editor,

THE doyen of Caribbean journalists is no longer with us, but the exceptional quality of his work, his bravery in speaking out against authoritarianism, and his mentorship of young journalists, especially in Guyana and Barbados, will never be forgotten.

He was not only a consummate professional but also a decent, courageous and compassionate human being.

When I was at the Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS), Rickey and I shared the same trauma of having to leave Guyana suddenly during the dark days of June 1980, in order to be safe and to continue practising our profession.

We both ended up in Barbados, I unexpectedly, and we remained professional colleagues and lifelong friends.

I first met Rickey at the Guyana Graphic in the 1970’s, when I was a cub reporter learning the ropes of the profession. I admired and learnt much from him, not just about the basics of journalism but about the importance of integrity.

In Barbados, we both specialised in CARICOM issues, covered many Heads of Government conferences together and our articles appeared in the main newspapers across the region.

Rickey’s work over decades and the respect he gained from regional leaders, the business community, civil society, and the media, was recognised by the University of the West Indies which awarded him an honorary doctorate.

He also received the top media award from the Caribbean Publishing and Broadcasting Association (CPBA).

As President of the Caribbean Media Workers Association (CAMWORK), Rickey spoke out against ill treatment of journalists by the Governments of the day, including me at a CARICOM Summit.

I was touched and grateful to Rickey for sending a congratulatory message that was read at the launch of my book “Caribbean Perspectives” last year.

It was with great pleasure that I and other former media representatives contributed to a video tribute to him on his birthday a few years ago. I was blessed to have Rickey in my life and value my enduring friendship with his daughter Wendy.

My professional and personal life was enriched through my association and friendship with him. Thank you and farewell my friend.

Sandra Ann Baptiste