Photo by Zahra Airall
By Marcella A. André-Georges
When the dust settles….as it will,
We will all ponder…as we are want to do…
about life, about meaning, about love,
about who we are in the grand scheme of things;
Spiritual beings, on a physical journey.
We will talk about where we were and what we were doing when we got the news
“ah who ah call me at this hour?” said one “Jacqui wake me up” said another.
We will talk about how we felt, and how we feel.
Through haggard and tired looking faces, we will all cry.
We will think of the conversations we had with him, about him, because of him.
We will look at those around us and listen to their stories
We will crack jokes and repeat his famous phrases – “look, jus cut he off!”
“George!!!”
We will think of the “family” we have gained because of the opportunity he afforded us.
We will think of his raucous laughter and his straightforward stare
We will think of our lives and try to come to terms with the fact that …
We will no longer see him here.
In the moment, we will write poems quoting Shakespeare and the Bible
“What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how
infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and
admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like
a god! the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet,
to me, what is this quintessence of dust?” Hamlet
“what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him” Psalm 8:4
We will hug our family and friends a little harder and longer
We will have fleeting thoughts that “none of us come to stay”.
We will try…. not to think of the future, of how? … of how we will go ooooonnnnnnnnn
Of our own mortality….….no… not yet…”we not goin down dat road” not yet…
We will think of the meaning of legacies and the power of ONE
OMG – Observer Media Group!!!
All imagined or real hurts and affronts will immediately be laid aside as…
Say one, say two, Cuss you now and hug you later was synonymous with Winston.
But for now,
For now…
While we try to see our own faces through the collected specs of reality
While we try to comfort others who may appear weaker…
during our own passing moments of strength
While we think of his wife and family, each one of them…Georgie…
While we try to forge a brave front through the calls, the emotional fatigue,
the VOICES… of so many people, of a nation mourning and recalling,
While we consider with a wry shake of the head how some are always ready to bestow flowers…after the fact
While we embrace the pain of a loss that will echo often, unexpectedly, fondly,
throughout the remaining fabric of our individual lives,
While we gather, to do something, .anything …
make some coffee, make some tea, answer a phone, read a text, call a friend
For now, and for all times, we must remain GRATEFUL.
We must recall how he made us feel….
Special.
Each person in their own way.
While we embrace the unwelcomed pain… and sadness
We must embrace also the love, the warmth, the laughter, the joy he shared.
We must summon our own courage, our own truth, our own strength
We must be honest; we must be frank and brave.
We must recall how blessed we have all been to have been touched by Winston Derrick.
When the dust settles, we will all be wiser, stronger, and resolute
and we will hummm along – off key – to a sweet tune as he often did.
The knowledge that only LOVE is perfect will sustain us.
For, WHAT IS MAN?
Go in peace… go with God, and go with Love Winston.
May your ancestors welcome your return.
May the silent wishes of your heart – love, togetherness, and unity reign with those of us still here.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
In retrospect…
The first editorial to be published in The Daily OBSERVER’s inaugural issue on January 27, 1994 was written by Winston Derrick. The title was ‘About Ourselves’
When it dawned upon us that most citizens under forty years of age have never had the benefit of reading a daily newspaper; we felt, and knew…that something had to be done.
After all, we had the benefit of living abroad, and remembered the pleasure it gave us to read the several papers that were available daily. Why are our citizens so deprived? In our youth we remember the Antigua Magnet, The Antigua Star and the Workers Voice, all dailies of the past. The Star and The Magnet are no longer available. The Workers Voice is now a weekly.
We went into action. We tried to interest fellow citizens in the idea of a daily newspaper, not so much as an investment for profit, but as a service to the community. For the most part our pleadings fell on deaf ears.
The idea that we are all our brothers’ keepers has long left the community. We no longer spend time, invest money, derive joy and pleasure, from serving our fellow man. We have developed into an all grabbing little or no caring society, who couldn’t care less if the nation sinks, or swims, or the people suffer, or die.
Be that as it may, we press on, safe in the knowledge that our efforts would not be in vain. Today you can see the results of our efforts. It may not look much different from similar publications of its size, but the manner in which it is produced tells the story.
We are making this effort principally for the benefit of the young people of the nation. We want to give them opportunities that we have had. We want to expand their minds, please their souls and gratify their yearning for knowledge. If at the end of all this we make a profit, so be it. If we don’t, what greater joy can one have than to serve his fellow man?
We ask for something in return. We ask you treat the paper as your personal paper. Use it as you wish. Send your thoughts. Let us know your dreams and aspirations. Use it as a medium to communicate with your fellow man. Let us share your life. Give us the hope and encouragement that we deserve. Let us know when we are wrong, or have been wronged. Bare your soul to us, as we shall do to you.
Let us march together, step by step, into the future as the light of The Daily Observer shines upon us and illuminates the road ahead. We shall no longer be deprived of a daily newspaper, The Daily Observer shall always be there to light the way.
Signed W. Derrick.
Marcella, this is a beautiful and lyrical poem. Although I didn’t know him in this life, I got to know him through this well written tribute. Thanks.
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The management and staff of Imagistic Counselling expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends of Winston Derrick and staff of Observer Media Group.
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Winston Derrick touched the lives of tens of thousands of people. His leadership and support of educational programs in Antigua and Barbuda will be missed. The Greeks, who have words for everything, have a special prayer for a time such as this: May the memory of our dearly departed Winston Derrick, who is worthy of blessedness and eternal memory, be with us now and forever and ever.
Dr. Charles L. Mitsakos, Professor Emeritus of Education, Rivier University
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It was the Wednesday before his death that Winston invited me into his office to talk. He provided wise counsel in our near-one hour conversation.
Winston and I had not had a conversation for a very long time but he admitted that he had the urge to say something to me.
I was so shocked to learn of his passing so soon after our meeting. It then caused me to reflect on our conversation. His message became more profound and now seems so “final”.
We thank God for the time that Winston spent with us. We will be eternally grateful for the strides he made for press freedom in Antigua and Barbuda.
Rest in Peace, My Brother. Your work on earth is done
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MY MEMORY OF WINSTON
I was lucky enough to have been associated with the Observer Newspaper from its inception. After Observer by Fax which we received every week was discontinued, Winston asked me if I was interested in employment with the Newspaper. I would just like to explain that Malcolm (my husband) had been a close friend of Tubby and the Derrick family since they were young and when Malcolm returned to Antigua, the relationship continued.
It was something I had never done and explained to Winston I was totally ignorant in everything to do with newspaper production including the COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As everyone can imagine that did not phase Winston, so I reported to work and started this incredible journey with Fergie, Winston, the late John McDonald, Rex Harney, Basil Hill, Selwyn Walter, at the Cockleshell Inn on Fort Road.
Winston then had the hard task to teach me the workings of this “frightening” piece of equipment, his patience and yes, enthusiasm was quite extrodinary and believe it or not it sank in and I was in charge of entering McChesney George’s daily faxed record of his memories of the then Premier V.C. Bird and I was also asked to introduce “thought for the day” .
Winston’s energy was enormous and it rubbed off on all of the people who worked with him. Fergie and Winston would start printing around midnight and then when the papers had to be assembled, about 3am, Kim would come down from the second floor where she was feeding Georgie and collect a pile of papers to assemble and fold, and my daughter Oona and I would arrive about that time to do the very same and that’s how the paper was prepared for dispatch. Basil and Rex would arrive about 6 am or so and took the Observer for delivery to the various outlets. It really was an incredibly well organized system considering that no one was really specialized in the newspaper business. I can still remember when the first issue was printed and folded – 500 copies, the atmosphere was so exciting and everyong was smiling regardless of the hour.
Winston in particular hardly slept, he worked during the night and during the day, even though we all tried to stop phone calls or people wanting to see him during the day when he was upstairs trying to get some sleep, but if the phone rang and we picked it up downstairs and said we would pass on the message, Winston had already picked it up before the last word was out. We told him that he could not continue doing this, but it fell on deaf ears.
I also remember one time when no one was in the office and the computer outlets started smoking . I tried to find Winston or anyone, but no success so in desperation I pulled out the plugs and I can still feel the terrible fear that I had totally mashed up the whole Observer System. I cannot quite remember what the outcome was but Winston and Fergie did not fire me nor did they shout at me.
I will be forever grateful to Winston for introducing me and teaching me to use a computer even though one article I had entered was never found by Winston and he was known to be an absolute wiz in sorting out problems.
The memory and honour of having been a small part of the beginning of this enormous venture that both Fergie and Winston started and which has grown under the indomitable spirit and leadership of Winston will be a wonderful legacy to the whole of the Caribbean Region and in particular to our island – he was a true and proud son of the soil.
Thank you Winston – Rest in peace
Lotte Edwards
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Tribute to Winston Derrick from the Representative and Members of the Rural North Constituency Branch of the United Progressive Party
The Representative,Executive and members of the Rural North Constituency Branch of the United Progressive Party extend their condolences to the family and the Observer staff on the death of their husband, father, and chairman and managing director of Observer Publications, Winston Derrick. Indeed we are all saddened by his untimely death.
Winston partnered with his brother, Fergie, to realize a dream of bringing freedom of expression to Antigua & Barbuda, and to give each and everyone the opportunity to participate in the national debate.
We will always cherish his contributions to our branch through the Observer newspaper and radio station, and especially his contributions as a valuable member of the constituency.
We will always miss him and honour his memory.
Paul Ryan
Chairman
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The numbers read 1950 -2013 but its the dash inbetween thats most important. It represents the years of a life lived well in service to his fellow man to make Antigua a better place. The – is the mark of a true hero.
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What a remarkable man. A crusading journalist with a fighting spirit for what was right and just without fear. I admired him for his tenacity, his strength and the courage of his convictions. He supported many projects I worked on while living in Antigua. I will miss him. The island will miss him. We need more like him- and now the challenge will be to have many to accept the challenge step into his shoes and continue his marvelous mission of making Antigua a truly wonderful island paradise of perfection free of corruption and political strife.
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what a thing winston gone to his grave before he lester get lock up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hot debate. What do you think?
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TO the Family of Winston Derrick It was with great regret and sadness and many fond memories that I read of the passing of Winston. In my many years in Antigua we were friends and at times worked together. He was such a special person and has done so much for his country. My prayers go out to his Family Harriet Parker Oweb Sound,Ont. Canada
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It’s with an overwhelming sadness that I receive the news of Winston Derrick’s death. My thoughts turn quickly to the day in 2004 when I first met him. A friend of my mother’s on hearing I was looking for a media post said, “Go to Observer radio station, ask for Winston”. My meeting with Mr Derrick was brief. I told him I had an idea for a column. He looked me up and down, pondered my request and, with a smile sent me to see Mickel Brann. Days later Browneyed Views was born. Did I ever have fun writing that column! and the the greater joy when I joined the Observer team as a reporter. Whenever Mr Derrick was around the Observer newsroom, there was a certain energy that emanated from his presence. He fostered the spirit that we were a team, working together for a common good. He was inspiring, encouraging and an absolute pleasure to be around. I am blessed and privileged to have had him touch my life. My prayers are with his family, friends and all at Observer Media Group.
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THE ONES WE LOVE THE MOST ARE THE ONES THAT LEAVE US WITHOUT HAVING THE CHANCE TO SAY GOOD BYE. WHAT A BUBBLY MAN MR. DERRICK WAS. HE SMILED WITH EVERYONE, AND HIS MANNERISM WITH PERSONS ON THE RADIO, EG. WHEN SPEAKING TO SOMEONE HE WAS NOT A REGULAR WITH HE WOULD SAY OK MA’AM, OR OK SIR ….THANKS FOR CALLING. BUT YOU KNOW WHEN IT CAME TO HIS REGULARS, GEORGE, BLINDS, SADDIE, TANNY AND SPECIALLY VERNON……..IT WAS A DIFFERENT BALL GAME …………….YOU WOULD LAUGH YOUR BELLY FULL WITH THESE GUYS. MR. DERICK DID WHAT HE WAS SEND TO SO. I BELIEVE THAT HE BELIEVED IN WHAT HE DID AND IT MADE HIM PROUD. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER AND MY FRIEND…GOD SAW YOU WERE GETTING TIRED, AND HE TOOK YOU TO HIS REST. MEMORIES THEY SAY DON’T LEAVE LIKE PEOPLE DO……………………………….
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Our heartfelt sympathies to Winston’s personal family and his Observer family. In the history of our country, so much is owed by us all to Winston, Fergie, and to all of you. Notwithstanding Winston’s well- known modesty, he is a true national hero. May he rest now in eternal peace.
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On behalf of The Shalom Institute, the Parish of St. Paul w/ St. Barnabas and that of my family, I extend profound sympathies and condolences to the wife and children of Winston Derrick. These sentiments are also extended to the staff of the Observer Media Group. May God grant you comfort and strength through the power and presence of His Holy Spirit and through the presence and words of those who reach out to each of you in your bereavement.
Our society has lost a national, a patriot, who gave of himself, to the wholesome service of those around him. It is a truism that our nation and region are all the better with the contributions he has made.
We thank God for such an inspired and wonderful witness of service to humanity.
It is our prayer that Winston and all the faithful departed would rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’aoun. Surah 2:156
To God we belong and to Him we shall return.
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JCI Antigua (Jaycees) Executive Council, JCI Senators, and General Membership express condolence to the family of Mr. Winston Derrick on his passing, and also to the employees of Observer Media Group.
Mr. Derrick through his company, Observer Media Group, is one whom JCI Antigua recognizes as truly an active citizen. He was one who inspired and empowered young people to also be active citizens, and agents of positive change in our nation.
We are grateful to Mr. Derrick and Observer Media Group for assistance in media relations and providing an opportunity for us to bring about public awareness of JCI Antigua organization, our projects and programs and youth development.
May his legacy live on, and his soul rest in perpetual peace.
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This is truly a sad day. Antigua and Barbuda has lost a giant of a man. We are all better off because he and his late brother had the strength, vision and foresight to fight so that all our voices could be heard. RIP dear Winston. You will be truly missed.
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The Observer Media Group and in particular Winston Derick have always provided the forum through which many including me would otherwise have been voiceless. Winston, we will certainly miss your objectivity and the many noble and just causes you allowed to come to the fore. May you forever be in our thoughts; rest in peace!
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I am saddened by the sudden passing of Mr. Derrick. My thought and prayers are with his family – we lost a good one today; may he rest in everlasting peace.
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This man has educated so many of us and pushed us to learn more by his radio program and newspaper. We all loved him but God loves him best! Rest in peace Mr. Derrick “you know?”
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Having been a child of the mid-seventy’s, I only knew one line of perspective and argument: That of the ALP and its megaphones. Outlet was the only consistent (albeit limited in scope) voice that opposed the status quo. The level of information & quality of debate was stifling to say the least. Thanks to Fergie & Winston and their relentless pursuit of unlimited freedom of expression – at great personal & financial cost, we now live in a country replete with many radio stations and several publications with a myriad of opinions and perspectives. Undoubtedly, this has ushered in wave of information and informed debate – the life blood of democracy. I will miss Winston, no perfect man, but most certainly an Anitguan and Barbudan citizen of the highest order, who has left his beloved Antigua/Barbuda a much better place and one which continues to strive to find its true potential.
Gone too soon, but God is in control. Sincerest condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in perpetual peace.
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Observer Media Group shared the following link and had this to say about it:
When the dust settles. Remembering Winston. By Marcella A. André-Georges
Read more: http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=87391
When the dust settles….as it will,
We will all ponder…as we are want to do…
about life, about meaning, about love,
about who we are in the grand scheme of things;
Spiritual beings, on a physical journey.
We will t…
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When the dust settles. Remembering Winston. By Marcella A. André-Georges
Read more: http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=87391
When the dust settles….as it will,
We will all ponder…as we are want to do…
about life, about meaning, about love,
about who we are in the grand scheme of things;
Spiritual beings, on a physical journey.
We will talk about where we were and what we were doing when we got the news
“ah who ah call me at this hour?” said one “Jacqui wake me up” said another.
We will talk about how we felt, and how we feel.
Through haggard and tired looking faces, we will all cry.
We will think of the conversations we had with him, about him, because of him.
We will look at those around us and listen to their stories
We will crack jokes and repeat his famous phrases – “look, jus cut he off!”
“George!!!”
We will think of the “family” we have gained because of the opportunity he afforded us.
We will think of his raucous laughter and his straightforward stare
We will think of our lives and try to come to terms with the fact that …
We will no longer see him here.
In the moment, we will write poems quoting Shakespeare and the Bible
“What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how
infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and
admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like
a god! the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet,
to me, what is this quintessence of dust?” Hamlet
“what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him” Psalm 8:4
We will hug our family and friends a little harder and longer
We will have fleeting thoughts that “none of us come to stay”.
We will try…. not to think of the future, of how? … of how we will go ooooonnnnnnnnn
Of our own mortality….….no… not yet…”we not goin down dat road” not yet…
We will think of the meaning of legacies and the power of ONE
OMG – Observer Media Group!!!
All imagined or real hurts and affronts will immediately be laid aside as…
Say one, say two, Cuss you now and hug you later was synonymous with Winston.
But for now,
For now…
While we try to see our own faces through the collected specs of reality
While we try to comfort others who may appear weaker…
during our own passing moments of strength
While we think of his wife and family, each one of them…Georgie…
While we try to forge a brave front through the calls, the emotional fatigue,
the VOICES… of so many people, of a nation mourning and recalling,
While we consider with a wry shake of the head how some are always ready to bestow flowers…after the fact
While we embrace the pain of a loss that will echo often, unexpectedly, fondly,
throughout the remaining fabric of our individual lives,
While we gather, to do something, .anything …
make some coffee, make some tea, answer a phone, read a text, call a friend
For now, and for all times, we must remain GRATEFUL.
We must recall how he made us feel….
Special.
Each person in their own way.
While we embrace the unwelcomed pain… and sadness
We must embrace also the love, the warmth, the laughter, the joy he shared.
We must summon our own courage, our own truth, our own strength
We must be honest; we must be frank and brave.
We must recall how blessed we have all been to have been touched by Winston Derrick.
When the dust settles, we will all be wiser, stronger, and resolute
and we will hummm along – off key – to a sweet tune as he often did.
The knowledge that only LOVE is perfect will sustain us.
For, WHAT IS MAN?
Go in peace… go with God, and go with Love Winston.
May your ancestors welcome your return.
May the silent wishes of your heart – love, togetherness, and unity reign with those of us still here.
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THANK YOU WINSTON for championing, supporting and believing in young Antiguan & Barbudan professional talent and giving support, media access and coverage to many thousands of young people who flocked to Career Affair and who received CHTA Education Foundation scholarships.
THANK YOU WINSTON for welcoming & taking a personal interest in the 10 young Haitian students who lost all in the earthquake of 2010 and are now studying at the Hospitality Training Institute to equip themselves for the rebirth of Haiti’s tourism industry when they return in 2014. You gave them media access to share their stories, their cultural heritage, their zest for living a better life and impacting other young Haitians on their return home positively.
THANK GOODNESS YOU WERE HERE! The landscape changed for the better under your media-eye and we wish the Team at Observer the strength to continue to elevate & educate online, on air and in print.
Wishing great strength & comfort to the Derrick Family.
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The Management and staff of Flower World Ltd. expresses it profound sympathies to the family of Winston Derrick, and the Observer Media Group in this time of bereavement. He was a role model for the citizenry of Antigua and Barbuda and has made a lasting contribution to our twin island nation and the region. He will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in peace.
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