The Caribbean region has lost legendary journalist and political commentator Ricky Ramat Singh, who died over the weekend at the age of 88. A revered figure whose pen held power and whose voice echoed across borders, Singh is being remembered as a fearless, prolific journalist and a stalwart advocate of Caribbean integration.
Wesley Gibbings, former president of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), paid tribute to Singh in a heartfelt interview, describing him as “more than a journalist”—a man who devoted his career to scrutinizing power and advocating for unity across the region.
Born in 1937 in Guyana under the single name “Ramuta,” Singh emerged from modest roots. His early brilliance as a student was evident, and after losing his mother at a young age, he was sent to Georgetown to pursue an education. At just 17, he launched into journalism—a path that would define his life’s mission.
Facing political oppression in Guyana during a time of national unrest, Singh was exiled to the UK. But rather than remain in exile, he returned to the Caribbean, driven by a desire to report on and help shape the region’s future. His political writing—particularly on Caribbean integration—became his trademark.
Singh’s decades-long career included coverage of every CARICOM Heads of Government conference up to the 1990s, a testament to his tireless commitment. His columns, especially during history-making moments such as the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983, displayed a courageous balance of truth-telling and political insight.
“He kept a close, scrutinous eye on the integration movement,” Gibbings noted in an interview on Q95’s Hot Seat programme. “His journalism wasn’t just reportage—it was civic service.”
Singh’s work ethic was legendary. As a freelance journalist, he contributed to BBC Caribbean, CMC, and more, often filing multiple high-quality stories from a single event, while others scrambled to complete just one.
“You’d see him already typing his third story while you’re still thinking about your lead,” Gibbings recalled with admiration. “He was an example of how preparation, subject mastery, and confidence define journalistic excellence.”
Young reporters can look to Singh’s life as a blueprint: nurture your curiosity, work with relentless purpose, and cultivate deep knowledge of your beat. His confidence wasn’t bluster; it was grounded in historical awareness and an unwavering belief in the power of journalism to make societies better.
Ricky Singh is survived by his children, former colleagues, and generations of Caribbean journalists he inspired. He will be laid to rest next Wednesday, with many hoping to make the journey despite the challenges of inter-regional travel.
