While I believe that I am less qualified than many to give a tribute to Oswald Singh, I am indeed honoured to have been asked to do so. Firstly, I knew Oswald personally only for about a year now. And secondly, I am not a broadcaster and even if I was, I strongly doubt I would have been one in the calibre of Oswald. Indeed, there are not many who can claim to be.
I grew up hearing Oswald’s voice on radio and at the time I never thought I would have had the opportunity of working with him. In those days of radio dominance, that is, when compared to television at that time, Oswald’s voice had long become unmistakable, distinctive and astonishingly precise. I had created this image in my mind of a tall, towering, yet warm and welcoming character.
I later learned that, at some point in time, we both left Guyana headed in different directions to pursue media careers, albeit of a different sort. So imagine my apprehension, having returned to Guyana about 15 months ago, and still in the process of settling into the media group where I now serve, only to learn that there was an interview scheduled, not too long after the launching of Radio Guyana Inc (RGI), and that the name of the interviewee was Oswald Singh.
As I recall, it was a week day morning, and as I passed the front desk area of the Guyana Times/ Television Guyana (TVG)/ RGI building on the way to the room where the interview was to be held, I saw this individual seated in a cellphone conversation.
At the time, he wasn’t speaking. But just briefly as I passed, he responded to something obviously being said to him from the other end. It was a short response and something to the effect of a mere acknowledgement — an “I will call you back shortly” kind of thing.
Immediately, and without being introduced, I knew that was Oswald Singh. We merely nodded to each other as I passed, and in my mind I thought, “We have to get this voice on RGI,” almost momentarily forgetting that there was still an interview process to go through. Eventually, in about two weeks, all the formalities were over and Oswald was on board at RGI, effective February 1.
Being no stranger to radio, for someone like Oswald, there was no need for an orientation. But coming in to a new radio station, there were obviously new people to meet and new programmes to produce. Yet, it felt as though Oswald was there from the start.
The people at RGI gravitated toward him. Everyone was more his friend than his colleague. He nurtured people.
He groomed people. I look back with regret now that I really did not interact with him much, and more via email than anything else after he was appointed. But that was because Oswald never caused trouble.
Even in his illness he wanted to work. That’s how much he loved radio. He did not stay around with us long enough to do a Christmas Day greetings programme. That was his own request, as it was not required of him. That’s how much he loved his listeners.
On that day of the interview, his very first impression on me had left a smile in my heart. Fast track to the night when I learned that Oswald was in hospital. Regrettably, by the time I visited, Oswald had departed this life.
Graciously, one of his sisters invited me to see him. There were not many steps, but it was a long walk up. As the cover was lifted and I saw Oswald’s face, I saw a smile. Indeed, it was typical of him to smile in life.
Death is never pleasant and I didn’t expect to see such a smile. It did bring some tears to my eyes, but I felt happy with that smile. It is almost superstitious of me to say that I believe Oswald died a happy man. Undoubtedly, he also left a smile as a last impression on me.
And that’s the way I feel he lived. He made people happy. He made his listeners happy. Certainly, he made RGI a happy radio station to listen to.
My own three daughters, 14, 12 and 8, not having grown up listening to much radio, having heard his voice, wanted to see him. I allowed them one day, and hereafter, they wanted to see him every day. He played a song for them once and called their names on radio. They would never forget that. They were sad and tearful when they learned of his passing. One radio colleague had this to say about Oswald:“He was humane and versatile. He never lost his temper when his relief did not show up to take over a new shift.”
Another put it this way:“I haven’t known Oswald for a long period, but for me, Oswald’s simplicity, humility, warmth, sense of humour and immense knowledge of Indian music (especially the older ones) stood out for me.
This, in addition, to his very distinct and powerful voice, which resonated with many listeners…. Additionally, he always had an ease about him despite his obvious health challenges. That sort of courage is admired.”
On behalf of the board, management and staff of Queens Atlantic Investment Inc, the parent company for the media group that includes RGI, I extend deepest sympathy to Oswald’s family. Oswald also had an extended family, which reaches to all of Guyana, the Caribbean and beyond.
A void has been created at RGI and indeed in radio in Guyana. It will never be filled.
No doubt, we all miss him already and we are still to discover many other ways in which we will miss him.
Daniel Singh
General Manager, Guyana Times/ TVG/ RGI