Celebrating 50 years of Journalistic Commitment

It is with great pride and satisfaction that I am observing a full half a century of journalistic commitment.

Yesterday, coincidentally Emancipation Day, marked the fiftieth anniversary of my first public involvement in local journalism.

Literally, it was an experience where one could say that I jumped in “at the deep end”. The circumstances were that three progressive political organizations had decided not only to unite to form a single unit, YULIMO (Youlou United Liberation Movement) but to launch on Emancipation Day with the publication of a legally registered newspaper. None of us had any journalistic training and perhaps my own educational background had put me in a position that I did not have much choice but to become the Editor.

Whether brave or foolhardy, we embarked on this bold venture to challenge the establishment in the media.

The legal registration of the paper, FREEDOM, was the easiest part, writing and publishing a weekly newspaper was quite another matter. Next week, in the concluding part to this article I will highlight some of the formidable obstacles facing us- little resources besides our human capacity and commitment, no sources of financing, no journalistic training etc. Yet we did not make any of these become unsurmountable barriers.

FREEDOM lasted for six years before giving way to the print voice of another unification process, JUSTICE, the organ of the political party, the United Peoples Movement (UPM) formed in 1979 and which had bravely contested the first general elections held in SVG after political independence. Again, with six years of experience, some very bitter, I continued as Editor.

Borrowing a local expression, you could call me a “goatskin journalist”.

Forty-four years later the journey has taken me through an array of experiences. We moved from a rustic early stencilled appearance to full print, even in colour pages on special occasions; shrugging off all the attacks and obstacles (FREEDOM and myself as Editor were the objects of many libel cases), JUSTICE became the No.2 selling newspaper, and by far the most influential, in SVG.

When JUSTICE finally folded up with the demise of the UPM in 1989, my journalistic journey did not end. I became a weekly columnist in the NEWS newspaper, lending my pen to the unrelenting campaign for justice and democracy in my country. A disagreement between that newspaper and some of its columnists led to a break away from that institution and the eventual establishment of the SEARCHLIGHT newspaper which has lasted to this day. It has been a long, difficult, unbelievingly enriching journalistic experience which I am recounting in some reflections to be published soon. I could not have imagined when it began, where it would take me. In the process, the face of journalism has changed drastically here, in the region and the world. Perhaps my greatest regret is that committed journalists, here and in the region, have not been able to maintain unified organizations of journalists to protect the interests of journalists and the integrity of the profession.

I have no regrets though about the hugely enriching journey from which I have not departed. In the follow-up article next week, I will dwell deeper on some aspects, but for the moment, looking back at where it all started, there are a lot of people to whom I must give credit.

Beginning with 1974, those initial years would not have been possible without the involvement and accompaniment of the late Caspar London. Former Minister of government here Mike Browne played an invaluable role helping to anchor and guide the initial steps, and I will dwell more extensively on “De Tribe”, the heart and soul of the FREEDOM/JUSTICE experiences-local barrister Jomo Thomas, CCJ head Adrian Saunders, cultural icon “Sulle” Caesar and the rest of the heart and soul of the early efforts. The level of sacrifice involved is incredible.

Then there is the support in the more formal media, the opportunity and support by NEWS Editor, Shelley Clarke and his colleagues, and later the solidarity with other columnists and initiators of SEARCHLIGHT, the late Oscar Allen, Bassy Alexander and Adrian Fraser and current Editor Corletha Ollivierre. How could I quantify the support of the late Norma Keizer and her indefatigable daughter Clare, in establishing the SEARCHLIGHT newspaper and growing it into a respected multi-media venture? Nuff respect and gratitude to all!

Leaving the best for last- my journey would have been unthinkable without my late mother, Germaine “Granny” Rose. She it was who first instilled in me the love of reading and writing, the very foundation of my journalistic journey. Interestingly she was a regular contributor to the local press herself, itself an inspiration for me. Nuff respect Mum! Her influence also spilled into the journalistic work of my three brothers, “Chivambo”, Dexter and Rashid, the latter mainly in the UK.

Finally, the unbelievable support of the rest of my family. My sisters have always given encouragement and support. But above all, the sacrifice endured by my wife Ancelma and my children has gone beyond all bounds.

As I embarked on this journey they have paid a heavy price, yet the commitment has always been unwavering. I could neither give the financial support nor dedicate the personal family support necessary as I embarked on this almost suicidal journey. For that I am truly sorry and even more appreciate their understanding and forced sacrifice. The love never wavered. I conclude by expressing eternal gratitude to those who have not only followed but encouraged me on the long difficult journey. There are people who have been reading my writings, and perhaps ramblings, for this half a century and who have encouraged me in the most difficult moments. I will always be appreciative and thankful for that.

• Renwick Rose is a community activist and social commentator.