Intrepid lensman Grant memorialised as ace in field, friendships

Veteran award-winning news photographer Charles Grant has been remembered as a man whose presence touched the lives of many, both professionally and personally.

The Nation Publishing Company’s chief photographer for decades was laid to rest following a nearly three-hour service at St Barnabas’ Church at Chapel Gap, St Michael, attended by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, St Michael East MP Trevor Prescod, and journalists past and present drawn in national and regional circles.

In a sombre tribute,  Al Gilkes, the retired veteran journalist and public relations executive, eulogised Charlie as a true friend.  His voice laden with emotion, he described the Tichbourne, Howells Cross Road man as “a colleague, a friend, a man who made sure that many day’s work was finished, or even before”. He reminisced about Grant’s unique personality, acknowledging his occasional grumpiness but emphasising his unwavering loyalty and friendship.

“He was the best friend that you could ever, ever wanted, the best,” Gilkes affirmed, a sentiment echoed by many who had the privilege of knowing Grant. Despite occasional discomfort, he said Grant had an innate ability to foster camaraderie and ensure unity among those he worked with.

Gilkes delved into their shared history, recalling the early days of the Nation newspaper in 1973. He reminisced about the challenges they faced and the camaraderie they shared, highlighting Grant’s dedication to his work, family and friends.

“Charles loved his job. He loved his family. He loved his friends,” said Gilkes, affirming his profound capacity for love and compassion. But he also acknowledged Grant’s moments of apprehension, particularly when faced with daunting assignments or risky ventures.

Recalling a pivotal moment in their careers, Gilkes recounted an ambitious plan to uncover the harsh realities of the government reformatory at Dodds. Despite initial reluctance, Grant’s resolve and commitment to truth prevailed, showcasing his unwavering dedication to journalism.

He also recounted his involvement in high-profile events, such as the presence here of Ronnie Biggs, the English criminal who helped plan and carry out the Great Train Robbery of 1963. This underscored the photographer’s fearlessness and determination to capture the essence of a story, no matter the risks involved.

“Charles was a great human being,” Gilkes said, his voice tinged with reverence. “And as long as I live, I will never, ever forget.” With these words, Gilkes encapsulated the profound impact of Charles Grant’s life, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Similar sentiments were echoed through the tributes, especially coming from Nation journalist and friend Maria Bradshaw, who, reflecting on her partnership with Grant, painted a vivid picture of their thrilling journalistic exploits spanning over 15 years. Grant, whom she affectionately called “Grantee,” was for her a ubiquitous figure in Barbadian journalism, with Bradshaw often at his side as they chased down stories.

“We had several big stories, too numerous to mention,” she reminisced, adding that from hunting down escaped convicts to exposing major water leaks, their collaborations were marked by relentless pursuit and daring endeavours.

Bradshaw told the congregation that their work took them to the heart of communities, where Grant’s deep connections often led to unexpected stories and warm receptions.

Reflecting on Grant’s influence, Bradshaw shared his enduring advice: “You have to gain the trust of the people and build up your sources.” Grant’s legacy, she emphasised, was not just in the stories they covered but in the profound impact he had on her career and life. “Grant was my mentor, my friend, my confidant,” she concluded, “he was like a father to me.”

Another longtime colleague and friend, Tim Slinger, fondly remembered their four-decade partnership.

“Charles Grant was special to journalism,” Slinger proclaimed, likening him to a pioneer of today’s social media era.

He hailed his unmatched dedication to his craft, noting how he left “no stone unturned” in his quest for capturing the essence of breaking news events. “As the news broke, Charles would be the first, and most times, the only one to capture the images,” Slinger reminisced, highlighting Grant’s uncanny ability to be at the forefront of every significant event, from tragedies to police standoffs.

Describing Grant’s evolution from a lithographer to a renowned photographer, Slinger pointed to his relentless pursuit of journalistic excellence. Recalling one of the late photographer’s early feats—the daring exposé of the Dodds school—Slinger underscored Brown’s commitment to shedding light on societal injustices.

“Charles wanted his own niche,” Slinger noted, highlighting his pivotal role in reshaping public communication dynamics amid shifting societal attitudes. Slinger also praised Grant’s generosity in nurturing young talent, citing his influence on budding photographers including his children.

In paying homage to his legacy, Slinger celebrated him as an extraordinary individual who epitomised the essence of quality journalism. “He knew our society and served it extremely well,” Slinger concluded, leaving behind a profound and enduring legacy in the annals of Barbadian journalism.

In her tribute, former Nation Executive Editor Roxanne Gibbs painted a vivid picture of a man whose passion and dedication extended far beyond the lens of his camera.  She echoed the sentiments of many and emphasised Grant’s multifaceted personality, from his unwavering commitment to his work to his deep love for his family and colleagues. “Charles was the best friend that you could ever want,” she affirmed.

She recounted a memorable moment driving down Jemmotts Lane, where Grant’s impulsive nature and relentless pursuit of a story became evident. Despite the risks involved, Gibbs noted that she trusted Grant’s instincts, as he had an unparalleled nose for news and an ability to capture the essence of every story.

Grant’s contributions to the Nation newspaper, she said, went far beyond capturing impactful front-page photographs; he brought excitement and energy into the newsroom, inspiring his colleagues to strive for excellence. “He was larger than life,” Gibbs recalled, highlighting Grant’s pivotal role in shaping the newspaper’s editorial direction and fostering a sense of camaraderie among his peers.

Throughout his illustrious career, Grant’s tenacity and resourcefulness never faltered, even in the face of daunting deadlines and technical challenges. Mark Hollinsworth, a former colleague, recounted a nail-biting experience in the newsroom, where Grant’s calm demeanour and quick thinking saved the day. “In this business, you always got to have a backup,” Grant wisely advised, a testament to his unwavering professionalism and dedication to his craft.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Grant was also a devoted family man, balancing the demands of his job with his role as a father and husband. His children, often seen accompanying him on assignments, became beloved fixtures in the newsroom, embodying Grant’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of journalists.

“Charles was more than just a photographer; he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light in the world of journalism,” Gibbs remarked. 

Grant, who died on May 18 aged 78,  was a photographer at the defunct Daily News and a lithographer at Barbados Advocate. Three years after joining the Nation’s lithography department, he transitioned to full-time photography under the direction of the late Gordon Brooks. His news coverage as a photographer was honoured by the Barbados Association of Journalists. (RG)