Media Icon Laid to Rest

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Wednesday, 13 February 2013 02:30

By Caseen Wilson

Antigua St. John's - Antigua & Barbuda, along with the rest of the Caribbean, bid farewell on Tuesday to a media icon and son of the soil, Winston Arnold George Derrick, 62, who died suddenly on February 2.

The Spring Gardens Moravian Church, which holds up to 1,000 people, was packed to capacity, with little room to spare even on the outside, as thousands from all walks of life gathered to pay their last respects.

One of Derrick’s closest friends, Dr Errol Cort, in his tribute described the icon as a quintessential man. Derrick was also described as one of the men who had revolutionized talk radio, providing the avenue for citizens to express themselves without fear.

Present at the funeral were Her Excellency Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack, Prime Minister Dr Baldwin Spencer, Leader of the Opposition Gaston Browne, Chief of Defense Staff Col Trevor Thomas, Commissioner of Police Vere Brown, members of the Caribbean Media Association, and other dignitaries.

Derrick was born on February 27, 1950, and died just weeks short of his 63rd birthday. His casket was designed by his wife and crafted locally.

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The service began at 2:30 pm. Bishop Kingsley Lewis delivered a chilling sermon on the shoulders of tributes coming first from the staff of the Observer Media Group, and continued with members of the Professional Organization for Women (POWA).

Contributions were also heard from Ole Time Something, and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers. A beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Look to You by the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra ended the tributes.

Derrick’s older brother, Vincent, delivered a eulogy that did justice to his brother’s legacy and outlined for young journalists and citizens the power of commitment to one’s belief and drive to realizing them.

In keeping with the government-sponsored official funeral service, Derrick was honoured with a full three-volley gun salute by an all-female firing party before his body was interred in the St John’s cemetery.

On Monday, thousands took advantage of the last opportunity to view his remains at the Barnes Funeral Home.

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