The death of Hugh Cholmondeley

The media fraternity and the wider society are continuing to mourn the loss of Guyanese broadcaster, and international public servant Hugh Cholmondeley, who died on Friday August 10 2012 at 73 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. Cholmondeley was being treated in New York where he passed away. Family members say that a funeral service will be held in NY and then a memorial service will be held in Guyana.

The Guyana Press Association in paying tribute to the broadcasting pioneer recalled that Cholmondeley’s contribution to the world of broadcasting in the region has been legendary, and his indefatigable work in the United Nations System has been exemplary.
Pointing out that he was a visionary, The Guyana Press Association stated that is happy and proud that Cholmondeley paid so much interest in the development and growth of the media, not only in his home territory of Guyana but in the Caribbean Region and the world. His initiative in creating the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) and his commitment to the regional body rightfully earned him the well-deserved and respected position in the CBU’s Hall of Fame. In an interview to mark the 40th Anniversary of CBU Hugh Cholmondeley reflected on the organization.

Cholmondeley brought class, finesse, and pizzazz to post Independence radio and latterly Television Broadcasting in the Commonwealth Caribbean. He was the General Manager of the Guyana Broadcasting Service-Radio. He also helped to establish the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) and the Caribbean Institute of Mass Communications (CARIMAC).

He served as UNESCO’s first Representative to the Caribbean opening the Kingston, Jamaica office. He continued to make a sterling contribution at UNDP and in numerous other international assignments.

He returned to Guyana reignited and re-energized media and other corollary sectors including work in helping to formulate a Media Code of Conduct. He drew from his long experience in conflict resolution and development matters internationally when he served as a facilitator in the fashioning of the Herdmanston Accord.

Hugh Cholmondeley leaves to mourn his wife, children including MP Cathy Hughes, and his extended family and scores of friend in Guyana and elsewhere.