Widow of Robert Best Margaret (right at front), resting her arm on her son Charles shoulder, as they join family and friends, including Best’s daughter Roberta (left), at the Thanksgiving service, held at the St Leonard’s Anglican Church, to reflect on the life of the journalism giant who died on October 17.
THE local journalism fraternity gathered at the St Leonard’s Anglican Church on Thursday, to reflect on the life of veteran journalist Robert Best who made a significant contribution to the profession.
Best, a former Executive Editor of The Barbados Advocate and Editorial Consultant of The Nation Publishing Co. Ltd trained many outstanding journalists who sat at his feet, and eventually made a name for themselves in the field.
After ailing for a while, Best died at his Derriston Road, Grazettes, St Michael home, on October 17, at 83-years-old.
His death marks the end of an era in journalism in Barbados.
As his loved ones and friends delivered touching tributes, those who packed the church, heard about Best’s love for journalism and his dedication and commitment to training the future of the profession.
It was told that Best paid close attention to ensuring the stories and opinion pieces he penned, or the written pieces he edited were balanced and free of errors.
Integrity was his priority.
His daughter Roberta Niles, who read the eulogy, indicated that her father joined The Advocate Newsroom in 1953 to perform the roles of proof reader and reporter.
Over the years, he was promoted to the ranks of Sub editor, Editor, Managing editor. He ended his career 40 years later as Executive Editor.
He even had a stint at the Barbados Rediffusion, in the early years of his career. But due to his love for print media, he returned to The Advocate in short order where he continued his roles as leader, teacher, mentor, confidante and friend to many.
Best, whose thought provoking pieces always came in handy for conversations in various sectors and communities across Barbados, travelled to neighbouring Caribbean countries to manage other newspapers.
“Through it all, Robert never lost the nerve, or his dedication, to ensuring that this newly independent democracy was protected by the active involvement of the fourth estate,” the daughter recalled.
And though he spent much time attending to his duties at The Advocate, Best still found time to teach evening A-level History classes at the defunct Federal High School, tutor journalism courses at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and also at the Barbados Community College, in addition to being actively involved in service clubs, engaged in trade unionism, and travel the world. He also held positions on several boards.
Yet, according to Niles, her father who always had a story to tell, found time to be a loving husband to his wife Margaret, to whom he has been married for 57 years, and their two other children, Charles and Adrian.
He loved watching western movies, listening to music, talking about cricket, and tried his hand at cooking, occasionally.
“Once he was your friend, he was your friend, and he could be counted on to assist in any situation and offer unshakable support,” she said.
The journalist often spoke about his objectives. His first objective was that he never wanted to die until his children were old enough to take care of themselves. His second objective was that he was not going to allow anyone to make him lose his “little pick” at The Advocate.
“His third objective is that he wanted to die before his princess [wife] because he would never survive without her by his side. Being the overachiever that he always was, Robert has now achieved all of his objectives,” a reflective Niles said.
The sermon was delivered by Reverend Dr Sonia Hinds, who encouraged those grieving to look to God for strength as they mourn the loss of the journalism giant. (AH)