President Ali extends condolences on passing of journalist Rickey Singh

President Dr Irfaan Ali has extended his condolences on the recent passing of veteran Caribbean journalist, Rickey Singh. He described Singh as a venerable stalwart of Caribbean journalism.
In a statement released Sunday upon Singh’s passing, the Guyanese President recalled the veteran journalist’s courage with regard to safeguarding press freedom and democracy.

“I join with the regional media fraternity in mourning the passing of Rickey Singh, one of the stalwarts of Caribbean journalism. He was a distinguished son of Guyana who was courageous in standing up for press freedom and democracy,” he said.
He also reflected on the late journalist’s career and “principled journalism”.
“Rickey Singh entered journalism at a young age and quickly became a formidable presence in the local media. His reporting in Guyana was marked by a fierce independence and a deep commitment to democratic values—qualities that, in the political context of the time, came at a personal cost.
Rickey Singh was never one to shy away from uncomfortable truths. His principled journalism—particularly during a period when state media in Guyana was growing increasingly dominant—ultimately contributed to his departure from the country. A decade later, while serving as editor of Caribbean Contact, he once again became a target. This time, it was in Barbados, where his work permit was revoked following public criticism of the United States’ (US) invasion of Grenada. In both instances, Rickey Singh paid a personal and professional price for challenging the prevailing powers of the day.
His tenure as editor of Caribbean Contact coincided with a period of intense political repression in Guyana. Under his editorship of the Caribbean Contact, the publication became a vital and trusted source of information for Guyanese—news and perspectives that the then-ruling party had sought to suppress or deny the public.”
President Ali also revealed a personal moment with Singh where he expressed his respect for the journalist.
“In a letter written to him on his 83rd birthday, I relayed the following to him: “Yours was a clear and constant voice at a time when silence and the suppression of truth were commonplace. Your journalism helped to keep democracy alive in the hearts and minds of many.”
These words remain a fitting encapsulation of the man he was: uncompromising in principle, yet always measured in tone; loyal to Guyana, but respected across the Caribbean,” he said.
According to President Ali in his statement, Rickey Singh’s perspectives on regional issues also enriched regional discourse on matters of importance to the Caribbean. He was an avid follower of developments across the Caribbean and his articles were a source of both information and enlightenment.
Though he spent much of his life in Barbados, Rickey Singh never ceased to follow Guyana’s journey, and remained engaged through his incisive and thoughtful columns in the Guyana Chronicle.
“On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extend deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Guyana honours Rickey Singh not only as a journalist, but as a moral force whose work inspired faith in the ideals of democracy and freedom of the press. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the President’s statement concluded.
Meanwhile, on Monday, CARICOM sent out a message of condolence on his passing, describing him as “…a Caribbean son of the soil and journalist par excellence” who served as a pillar of journalism in the Region and was “a passionate advocate for our regional integration movement.”
“The Community mourns the loss of a committed regionalist and media titan. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations of Caribbean journalists,” the CARICOM brief said.