TTPBA sends condolences to Baptiste family

The TTPBA has expressed its deepest regret and condolences to the family of media legend Owen Baptiste on his passing.

In a release, the association said Baptiste’s career, which started at the Guardian, saw him as one of the most formidable editorial competitors there and he became editor-in-chief. It said Baptiste also served as editor of several other publications, including the Trinidad Chronicle, the West Indian Sportsman, and the Uk-owned Mirror.

It said Baptiste was instrumental in the birth of the Trinidad Express, together with a group of other journalists. Over the years he served as editor in chief, general manager and managing director. At the Express he included feature writing and commentary from social commentators such as Lloyd Best and others.

The association said Baptiste went on to establish his own publishing company, Inprint Caribbean, producing People magazine, and his expertise was drawn on for the establishment of the Jamaica Observer.

In 2008, the TTPBA presented Baptiste with its Award for Media Excellence for his contribution to the development of print media in TT as journalist, editor, entrepreneur and author, and for establishing the tradition of local commentary and public debate.

It said, “During his time at the Express Newspaper, Owen weathered many situations that could produce a crisis of conscience for an editor who felt he was doing the right thing. The TTPBA is grateful for his impact on the careers of several senior journalists and considers his passing a great loss to the media industry.”

Baptiste, 87, died on Tuesday evening at West Shore Medical on Tuesday night of complications from diabetes.