A TRIBUTE TO A TITAN OF JOURNALISM

Jun 09, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Dale Anthony Andrews is gone but his legacy and the lessons he leaves with journalists, young and old alike, point to a moral compass in journalism. That moral compass will be something that all journalists, especially his colleagues at Kaieteur News will remember and ponder as they joined with relatives, friends and other journalists to take him to his final home on Tuesday June 14, 2016. Because of thesuperb contributions he has made to journalism, his name will continue to resonate as an emblem of his effort to transcend its basic fiber into what he would have called passionate journalism. It is without a doubt that Dale was very passionate about his work and even in ill-health, he went that extra mile to file a news report a few hours before the chill hand of death touched him.
He was the consummate journalist whose demeanor and humility will forever be etched in the minds of those who knew and associated with him. He understood the responsibility of being a journalist for accurate and unbiased reporting of the news.He had the good fortune of making and maintaining friends with the notables in the security forces which earned him the nickname as the Crime Chief of Journalism. He, like so many other others in the field of journalism believe that freedom of the press is critical to a meaningful democracy and should not be tampered with by the authority. In many cases, his message was more important than the messenger, but in rare cases the messenger becomes the message and this became part of his humility.
Journalists, broadcasters and writers will reflect on his death and their own circumstances, especially as they prepare to celebrate his life in a few days. There are few in the line of Dale Andrews’ stature that have sharpened the social conscience of the nation in his reporting of the news. Ultimately it was not the sheer objectiveness of his reporting that caught the attention of many others in the field of journalism, especially the Publisher, editor-in-chief and the staff at Kaieteur News, but his grace, gratitude, humility and his ability and deep-rooted beliefs in passionate reporting. He was loved because of his strength, compassion and conviction.
Since his passing, his colleagues at Kaieteur News have immersed themselves with the retrospective view of his life, thus blinding themselves to the reality that he is gone and that they must carry on. Although Dale is no longer with us, it is perhaps for us to say that he never died because as long as there exists a Kaieteur News, he will stand tall as one of the greatest and most respected journalists of his time. His presence will be with us at Kaieteur Newsfor a long time, if not forever. Dale could have easily chosen a different career and a different place to work, but he chose journalism and Kaieteur News where he has left a path of light for his colleagues.
Among the gifts so lavishly bestowed on him were his uniqueness and his boldness in reporting the news. Dale Andrews was courageous in making demands, brilliant in his analysis, prudent in his thoughts, and knowledgeable of the facts. He was receptive to news ideas and was always probing for new possibilities. Those who had the privilege of being close to him can testify to his remarkable humanity, kindness, and indeed his genuine dedication. He was generous in spirit, democratic in temper and affable with those whom he came in contact with.
So as the titan of journalism sleeps, his sleep is just, his work is well done, his lost cannot be made whole, yet even as the hour of his passing crept up upon him unannounced; we knew he was ready. His strength, courage and spirit will be with us today, tomorrow and forever. He was God’s gift to us at Kaieteur News and we will surely miss him. Rest in peace brother Dale, you have fought the good fight and may the blessings of the Holy Father be upon you forever.
Dr. Asquith Rose

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News