Dear Editor,
Cecil Griffith was a veteran journalist, who represented the best of the profession and was a principled individual who loved the profession and was always willing to give of his time to nurture young reporters.
He had little tolerance for unprofessional behaviour and through his role as President of the Guyana Press Association, made a sterling contribution to the growth of the media. Even after relinquishing this post, he always found the time to guide those new to the profession.
His pleasant disposition and professional demeanour won him many friends and respect both within and outside the profession. He was well respected by government ministers, the opposition and business leaders.
A no-nonsense Editor, when he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), he fought against directives from the government to broadcast propaganda and always fiercely defended those reporters who were attacked by those in power for not toeing the line.
Cecil was my mentor and friend. He was one of those instrumental in building the foundation for my extensive career as a Caribbean and international journalist. He did not hesitate when I joined the Guyana Broadcasting Service newsroom in the 1970’s, to assign me to cover
CARICOM affairs and major international assignments, including in Africa and the Middle East. He was always supportive and continued to provide guidance when I became Head of Current Affairs during the challenging and dark days of journalism in Guyana.
When, like many of the professionals, I was forced out of the media and abruptly and unexpectedly moved to Barbados, Cecil ‘s nurturing stood me in good stead when I worked as a specialist in Caribbean affairs throughout the region and internationally.
After changing profession and eventually returning home to set up and head the Guyana Office for Investment, he was again there to support me and would often visit my home and call me to tell me that he was very proud of me.
Cecil was saddened by what he considered the deterioration of the media in Guyana. He often lamented the poor standards that have become prevalent in many areas. The Guyanese media is so much poorer with his passing and I will miss my friend dearly on my trips to Guyana.
The most fitting thing that we can do to honour the memory of this media “giant” is to strive to uplift the profession he loved through more training, especially by those recognized as true professionals, including using the expertise of Guyanese like Rickey Singh, Hubert Williams, Carlton James and Allan Khan.
We should also consider having a “Cecil Griffith” award for those who graduate at the top of the class in our journalism programme at the University of Guyana or for an annual media award competition.
Yours faithfully,
Sandra Ann Baptiste
Toronto
