Freelance Correspondent
Veteran media practitioner Neil Parsanlal has warned that those in the journalism industry must pay attention to their health and the stresses that come with the job. Parsanlal was speaking at the funeral of I95.5FM broadcaster Sterling Henderson yesterday at the Holy Trinity RC Church in Arouca.
The funeral became a moment of reflection on the pressures faced by journalists, as the former government minister and former reporter urged media houses to place greater focus on the health and well-being of their staff.
Delivering the homily, Parsanlal, who is also a Roman Catholic lay minister, said, “In a world that never stops spinning, where the news cycle is relentless and the demand for content is insatiable, media professionals are the ones that keep us informed, who keep us connected and who keep us aware, but behind every headline, behind every broadcast, every viral post, there is a human being, often under immense pressure, often unseen and too often unheard.”
While Henderson’s career left an indelible mark on the media landscape, Parsanlal’s message underscored the hidden sacrifices of those who dedicate their lives to keeping the public informed.
Henderson, the deputy head of News at i95.5FM, died on September 20 at his Arouca home. He was scheduled to pick up the morning shift that day but did not report to work.
His funeral drew colleagues, family, and friends, who paid tribute to his decades of service in radio and news.
They remembered Henderson not only for his commanding voice and sharp wit but also for his guidance of younger broadcasters.
“Through personal and professional challenges, Sterling was a pillar. He gave us all reasons to stay and strive for excellence,” i95.5FM colleague and radio host Lance Mottley told the congregation.
