Statement by Minister of Information, Broadcasting & Public Affairs, Senator The Honourable Lucille Moe, on the passing of Harold Hoyte.
Yesterday Barbados lost veteran journalist and distinguished son of the soil, Harold Hoyte.
This doyen of Barbadian and regional journalism, by his tenacity and intrepid spirit, brought life to journalism in modern day Barbados.
Mr. Hoyte came to represent not merely a successful media entrepreneur who transformed the image and business of journalism in 1973 in Barbados, in particular in the print media, but he also symbolised a concept of journalism and a concept of the relationship between journalism and citizens of this country that showed that he had a social conscience.
That he is particularly remembered as a founding member of the Nation Publishing Company and in his roles as President and Editor-in-Chief of The Nation Newspaper and Editor Emeritus and Chairman of the Board of Directors is not to take away from his role as a hardcore journalist.
Hoyte was one who rolled up his sleeves and got his fingers dirtied with ink. His editorials and commentary, especially those which flowed around election times, will forever be remembered by us all.
The holder of the Gold Crown of Merit and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies, Hoyte was a true journalistic warhorse serving his entire career in the field, first at the Barbados Advocate in 1959, then abroad in Canada, before returning to Barbados.
Through his experience, conduct and professionalism, Harold was a mentor to many, allowing them to develop their own characters as journalists.
Despite his sharp wit and incisive commentary, Harold was an approachable, very personable human being to those who knew him and to those who were strangers.
We also remember him as an author. Along with his many journalistic essays, his publications: How to be a Bajan, Political Warriors of Barbados: Generals, Lieutenants and Foot Soldiers, Wunnah Like Dah Nuh, and Eyewitness to Order and Disorder show us a Barbadian for whom the pen was indeed mightier than the sword.
Harold Hoyte has passed but in his contribution to the Fourth Estate and to democracy he left a lasting and most significant legacy in Barbados and the region.
May he rest in Peace!
Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs
2019-05-13