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Staff
of the Guardian South office. INSET: Hazel Ross-Perot, branch
manager.
By
Radhica Sookraj
For many people the Guardian’s south office is a place
of business. But for many others, it is a place of solace,
where people can walk freely through our doors and find
answers to their problems.
When every other alternative has been exhausted, many poor,
weak, downtrodden and oppressed people come to us to get
advice.
For those of us who work here, the office located on Chancery
Lane, San Fernando, has become a second home. It is here
that we cook for each other, celebrate birthdays together
and take care of each other.
Under the stewardship of branch manager Hazel-Ross Perot,
there is a fusion between the various sections of the South
Bureau operations, namely editorial, circulation, distribution
and sales. Even our couriers are trained to have an ear
and an eye for news.
The editorial staff is headed by associate news desk editor
Yvonne Webb who undoubtedly has woven a web of camaraderie
among her team. This includes crime reporter Radhica Sookraj,
court reporters Sascha Wilson and Anika Gumbs-Sandiford,
features reporter Catherine Copeland, as well as photojournalist
Cori Baynes. Each reporter is expected to be well-rounded
to handle reports outside of their own beat.
Dozens of poor people also collect Guardian Neediest Cases
cheques from the company each year. This is organised by
our efficient secretary Genniffa Mohammed who has been here
for over 30 years.
Photographers Tony Howell, Innis Francis and Rishi Ragoonath
work round the clock covering assignments throughout the
length and breadth of south Trinidad, from Claxton Bay to
Icacos.
What makes the south office remarkable is the fact that
everyone works together despite our differences in opinions
and methods. Though we may have occassional tiffs, especially
over the importance of keeping press times, it is undoubtable
that we are all proud to represent the Guardian.
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