Remembering Balford – Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

Human frailty has again come to the fore as I struggle to accept the reality that my good brother and ‘bredrin’, Balford Henry, has departed this life. It is not that his passing was entirely unexpected. At 74 years of age, and in ill health, death was always near.

But I had hoped that we would once again share some of the wonderful moments we enjoyed on the job and at various places where spirits ran high, mature debates intensified, knowledge acquired over decades won the arguments, and laughter lightened our gatherings.

As a youth growing up in deep-rural Jamaica, whenever I managed to get my hands on old newspapers, reading Balford Henry’s reports was always a delight. His writings captivated me, and I admired his ability to inform, analyse, and present the facts.

When he came to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) in 2008 as consulting editor, a lasting bond developed between us. We regularly watched the evening news together and exchanged views on local and international affairs.

After he returned to the private media, our friendship remained strong, and we continued to keep in regular contact. During the period when I covered the Senate, Friday afternoons were particularly memorable. After work, Balford, the late Michael Shaw, and I would spend time at various spots in the Corporate Area, relaxing, sharing perspectives, and discussing matters of national and international importance. Those conversations, though often serious and intellectually stimulating, were always punctuated by hearty laughter.

One occasion I always looked forward to was when Melroy Sterling, Donald Bell, Balford, and I would come together to dine, enjoy our favourite drinks, and engage in the kind of spirited conversations that only good friends can share. Looking back now, there is a deep sense of emptiness in knowing that those moments have come to an end and will never be repeated. But I am grateful that I had the privilege of sharing them with Balford.

Balford was, for the past decade, Jamaica’s foremost reporter on parliamentary, political, and trade union affairs. He took great pride in factual and credible reporting and understood the responsibility that comes with informing the public. His work reflected a deep knowledge of Jamaica’s political and social landscape, and his distinctive voice earned the respect of many within and beyond the media fraternity.

My good bredrin is gone, and the void left by his passing will be deeply felt. However, I will forever cherish the time we spent together, the debates we shared, the laughter that accompanied them, and the many memories created over the years. Balford’s journey has ended, but his contribution to Jamaican journalism and the memories he created with those who knew and loved him will endure.

My friend, this is for you:

My good bredrin, Henry

From deep rural Jamaica, as a boy,

Your newspaper stories filled me with joy;

Your byline brought knowledge, insight, and light,

And I read every word with keen delight.

Then JIS brought us together in 2008,

And friendship grew stronger, lasting and great.

We watched evening news and shared every view,

On Jamaica and world affairs, old and new;

And after you left, our friendship remained,

Through years of conversations, memories retained.

With Michael and others, on Friday we’d meet,

Where laughter and wisdom made moments complete.

With Melroy, with Donald, with you, and with me,

Those gatherings remain as precious as can be;

We dined, sipped our favourites, debated with fire,

While knowledge and truth took the conversation higher.

Sometimes you won the argument with facts at your side,

Then laughter would follow, with nothing to hide.

You were a master of Parliament’s floor,

Of politics, trade unions, and so much more;

You guarded the truth with a journalist’s pride,

With facts as your compass and integrity your guide.

Your voice carried weight, your reporting was clear,

And your contribution will long remain dear.

Now the laughter is silent, the gatherings are gone,

And the pain of your absence will linger on.

My good bredrin, though death has taken you away,

Your memories will brighten the darkest day.

Rest well, Balford, your earthly journey is done ,

Our friendship lives on beneath Jamaica’s sun.

 

Garfield L Angus

Spur Tree PO

Manchester

garfieldangus@gmail.com