Veteran media personality Errol Pilgrim has died
Veteran media personality Errol Pilgrim passed away around 3 am this morning at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope after undergoing surgery, his son Kwame confirmed to Loop News.
Pilgrim was a print journalist and television broadcaster who ascended to Head of News at TTT before its closure in 2005. In recent times he worked as a columnist for the Express.
In remembering the media stalwart, the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) said in a release that Pilgrim is recognised by many journalists for his guidance, particularly in his role as Head of News at TTT.
MATT said Pilgrim’s journalism journey began at the Trinidad Guardian and Trinidad Express newspapers before transitioning into broadcasting.
Veteran journalist Tony Fraser said he was a stellar performer as a political journalist when he went to TV after a career in newspapers.
“It was amazing how quickly he adapted to broadcast media understanding video and sound of the storytelling function. We worked together for a long time, and I had the opportunity to send him to elections in Guyana and Tobago. He was one of those old-school journalists grounded in walking the beat. I couldn’t find fault with him,” Fraser told MATT.
Speaking to Loop, John Victor, a news anchor who worked under Pilgrim, said he was the consummate professional.
“He was pleasant to work with, the consummate professional, he guided the younger journalists, provided leadership for us who worked alongside him. He was one of the better persons, very accomplished, having worked in print and then broadcast. It is unfortunate to lose him at this time; I am shocked to learn he passed away,” he said.
Kristy Ramnarine, Guardian Media Limited’s Communications Specialist, also remembered Pilgrim as someone who provided guidance when she worked as an intern at TTT.
She wrote on Facebook: In 2001, I started my media career as an intern at TTT. The Head of News was the one and only Errol Pilgrim. A man who was more than willing to share his library of knowledge about the local media. A man who was not too busy to sit with and guide me as I learned about Television and Radio reporting. A man who was stern when needed but humble as they come filling the newsroom with laughter daily.”
In expressing his condolences, Communications Minister Symon de Nobriga said in a release that through his pen, Pilgrim believed he could change the world.
‘He once described himself as a realist who refused to live in fear. This was seen early in his career in 1969, when, as a young, courageous journalist, he ventured into territory where more established newspapers feared to go,” he said.
Pilgrim is survived by his wife, Carol, and three children, Kwame, Kofi, i and Anika.
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