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Kenrick Moore remembered
by David Granger
Kenrick Fitzpatrick Moore, MS, former chief photographer of the Stabroek News, died on
Kenrick Fitzpatrick Moore
14th February 2012 aged 72 years.
Kenrick Moore joined the profession of journalism over half century ago. To enter a newspaper office in Georgetown in the mid-1960s was like walking into a 19th century factory. Those were the pre-digital technology days when clicking typewriters, clanging linotype machines, clattering presses and dank darkrooms still dominated newspaper premises.
Those were the days when reporters and photographers learnt their lessons through emulation of their seniors and on-the-job instruction as apprentices and journeymen before becoming masters of their craft. Those were the days when newspapermen had to dress with ties before they could be allowed to enter government offices or meet dignitaries.
Ken Moore never forgot those early lessons. He worked hard, the way that he was taught; he dressed well, the way he was brought up; he spoke respectfully, the best way to do business. As a result, he enjoyed easy access to persons at the highest levels of business, government and society. He had a wry sense of humour and a warm manner of dealing with the thousands of people he met in the course of his work.
I joined the staff of the Guyana Graphic newspaper as a sub-editor after leaving high school in 1965 and worked with legendary photographers such as Donald Periana and Winston Oudkerk. Ken, by that time, was already well known for the value and volume of his work. He worked at the Argosy, Evening Post, Chronicle, Mirror and, finally at the Stabroek News newspaper where he served as Chief Photographer until his retirement.
He was not satisfied with the ordinary. Rare for those days, he travelled overseas and sought formal training at the School of Modern Photography in Little Falls, New Jersey, in the USA graduating, in July 1971, with a Diploma in Professional Photography.
I established my own newsmagazine – the Guyana Review – in 1993 and I was fortunate to have Ken’s help. Most of the Review’s finest coloured covers were Ken’s work. I developed such a great personal appreciation of his work that, thereafter, I adopted an editorial policy to ensure that every single page carried at least one photograph.
Ken was the best photo-journalist I ever knew. His series of photographs of common people – “People of Guyana” in the Stabroek News – not only told its story in images but established his reputation as a premier portrait photographer.
I mounted a commemoration of the 180th anniversary of the Demerara Revolt with an exhibition which presented a plethora of posters, photographs and publications. Ken was the only photographer who had the courage to allow his work to be displayed. The People’s Progressive Party administration, by that time, had tightened its grip on the press. Many other photographers who worked with both state and private media were fearful of being victimised if they participated. Ken Moore was the one who wasn’t! He had the courage of his convictions and, as his photographs testified, was unafraid of courting controversy with the powerful.
Ken Moore was a dependable, determined, dedicated photo-journalist who was not satisfied with second-best and slovenliness. He was restless in the pursuit of successful results. He was tireless in seeking what he defined as “newsworthiness.” He was, understandably, uncomfortable with the involuntary inactivity that his illness imposed on him over the past seven years.
Kenrick – a name of Welsh origin which means ‘chief man’ – knew his worth. He saw himself as one of the chief practitioners of his profession. He took his job seriously and toiled tenaciously to produce only the best work. He had the knack of capturing the correct mood at the correct moment. His photographs, if ever collected in an exhibition, could constitute a captivating chapter of Guyana’s social and political history over the last half century.
Kenrick Fitzpatrick Moore was born in Georgetown on 6th January 1940 and attended the Bourda Roman Catholic School and the Guyanese College of Modern Education. His entire working life was spent in the press. It was no surprise that the Guyana Press Association awarded him the prize for the best photograph in 1993. The Government of Guyana awarded him the Medal of Service “for long service with exceptional dedication as a photojournalist” in 1996.
Ken Moore died on 14th February 2012. He is survived by his wife, Allison, and several children.
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