The Barbados Association of Journalists & Media Workers (BARJAM) is mourning the loss of two pillars of Barbadian media, veteran journalist Albert Brandford and iconic broadcaster Maurice Norville, who died this week within hours of each other.
In a statement, BARJAM noted it was “deeply saddened by the deaths of two local media stalwarts, which both occurred in a very short space of time”, describing the moment as one of profound reflection for
the profession.
BARJAM first acknowledged the contribution of Brandford, whose formative years at The Advocate preceded a distinguished and decades-long career at The Nation Publishing Co. Limited.
The association described Brandford as “a highly respected and award-winning journalist” widely admired for his political reporting and known for “his candid and biting political insights in his column”.
“He leaves a legacy of excellence in the field that lives on with us who follow,” BARJAM said, extending condolences to his family and friends.
In regards to Norville, whose unmistakable voice shaped Barbadian radio for more than 50 years, the association said it was “shocked” to learn of the death of the veteran broadcaster, who worked with Barbados Rediffusion Service Limited and later Voice Of Barbados (VOB), calling him “a standard bearer for broadcasters of his era and, even to this day, [he] stands out as a model for modern generations of on-air presenters”.
“His articulation of the English language can be used as a blueprint for media professionals, particularly those in the electronic and digital media.”
Vice-president Emmanuel Joseph, who worked alongside Norville for nine years at Rediffusion, reflected on his colleague’s relentless commitment to proper speech.
“‘Maurice was always very focused on how well he spoke, even in casual conversations with his peers and so, when he got on the air, his correct pronunciation of words was just a natural continuum.”
Joseph added that the late broadcaster’s influence would remain indelible.
“Maurice will be greatly missed as the impact of his professionalism, high standards of broadcasting and being a stickler for detail will linger on in the hearts and minds of practitioners, especially those who were of his vintage.”
The media entity extended condolences to he families of both Brandford and Norville. (NS/PR)
