Veteran Caribbean journalist Rickey Singh dies at 89

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has joined the regional media fraternity in mourning the passing of acclaimed journalist and columnist Rickey Singh, who died at his home in Barbados on Saturday. He was 89.

Born in Guyana in 1935, Singh’s journalism career spanned more than six decades and left an indelible mark on Caribbean media. He published his first story in 1957 for the Guiana Graphic and quickly rose through the ranks, moving from general assignments to become one of the region’s foremost political reporters and commentators.

Singh’s incisive reporting and fearless columns addressed politics, governance, and social issues across the Caribbean. He was widely respected for his balanced, sharp analyses that helped shape public discourse from Georgetown to Bridgetown.

Over the years, Singh contributed to numerous wire services and publications throughout the region, including Guyana Chronicle, Barbados Nation, Jamaica Gleaner, and Trinidad Guardian. His voice also reached global audiences through the BBC Caribbean Report and the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), as well as other outlets in North America and Britain.

In recognition of his outstanding service to Caribbean journalism, Singh was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI) for his lifelong contribution to regional affairs. In 2023, he was also honoured in his native Guyana with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring legacy in media.

Beyond his prolific writing, Singh was instrumental in advocating for regional media collaboration. He was a founder and the first President of the now-defunct Caribbean Association of Media Workers (CAMWORK), which aimed to strengthen ties among journalists and promote press freedom across the Caribbean.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues and institutions across the region, many describing Singh as a trailblazer whose dedication and integrity inspired generations of Caribbean journalists.

The GPA, in a statement, extended heartfelt condolences to Singh’s family, friends and colleagues, describing him as “a true giant of Caribbean journalism who gave voice to the region’s stories and struggles for more than sixty years.”

Singh is survived by his wife and children. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.