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By Sandy Deane
Editor-in-Chief
It is with heavy hearts but with profound gratitude and deep and abiding affection that we bid farewell to Ridley Greene, a true stalwart of Barbados’ media landscape. Ridley’s remarkable career spanned half a century, during which he left an indelible mark on journalism and the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ridley’s journey began in 1965 when he joined the Daily News as a sub-editor. It was a dream realized for the young graduate of Combermere School and the Washington School Of Art. His meagre salary of just over $200 a month did not deter his passion for journalism, as he embarked on a path that would shape the nation’s media landscape.
His early mentor, the celebrated international cricket commentator Tony Cozier, played a pivotal role in honing Ridley’s talents. He further honed his skills at The Daily News under the guidance of Harold Hoyte and Carl Moore, luminaries in the field.
In 1971, Ridley was named Journalist Of The Year by the Barbados Press Association, a testament to his exceptional writing and dedication to his craft. His thought-provoking weekly column, Candidly Speaking, challenged conventional wisdom, earning both admiration and occasional controversy.
Ridley’s commitment to his principles led to his resignation from the Barbados Advocate, where he had thrived for five years. He refused to compromise his belief in freedom of expression, standing firm when his column faced suspension over a disagreement with the Anglican Bishop Drexel Gomez.
Undeterred, Ridley moved on to edit The Homemakers and Caribbean Traveller magazines, showcasing his versatility as a writer and editor. His dedication caught the eye of Harold Hoyte, Carl Moore, and others who sought to establish a new newspaper, The Nation, in 1973. Ridley’s editorial assistance, offered free of charge, helped the paper thrive. He officially joined in 1976 as assistant editor, working tirelessly to ensure its success.
During his time at The Nation, Ridley’s unwavering commitment pushed him to work long hours, driving the paper’s transformation from a weekly publication to a daily one. His dedication knew no bounds, leading to his unfortunate health struggles in the mid-1980s.
Diagnosed with sleep paralysis, Ridley made the difficult decision to step away from his role, preserving his health and well-being. He later embarked on a new chapter, establishing an advertising and public relations company, Knight Ridley Inc., which later became Ridley & Ridley.
Despite setbacks, Ridley continued to contribute to journalism, rejoining The Nation in 1991. His dedication was further recognized when he was invited to assist in the training of sub-editors and the redesign of The Gleaner in Jamaica.
In 2010, Ridley retired officially but continued to serve as an editor on a contractual basis. His legacy lives on through his contributions to Barbados’ media landscape, and especially to Barbados Today.
Ridley Greene’s fondest memory was The Nation’s dominance in Caribbean awards, a testament to the dedication of his team. He believed in the enduring importance of proper grammar and error-free reporting.
He lived these principles as our Rewrite Editor for many years. His permanent legacy to our journalists is the Barbados Today Style Guide, the in-house bible he created for our writers and editors.
As we remember Ridley Greene, a man for all seasons, let us cherish the legacy he leaves behind in the world of journalism. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to freedom of expression will forever inspire us.
Barbados Today extends its deepest condolences to Ridley’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. May his peerless memory be a blessing and his soul rest in eternal peace.
