Editor
robert.alonzo@guardian.co.tt
If you knew a man named Grenfell Kissoon who lived at Lange Park, Chaguanas, and who dedicated his life to the media industry and family, then you knew a great and humble gentleman. He was sincere in what he did and always lent an ear to employees of the then Trinidad Publishing Company and sister company, Trinidad Broadcasting Company Radio Network.
When he piloted the company’s transformation to Guardian Media to include CNC3—now known as Guardian Media Ltd —he continued in that same vein, never too busy to hear or reach out to an employee. He was a mentor, a coach, and a motivational speaker to many. He was a man of God and always encouraged employees to put the Creator first in everything. He was a no-nonsense man and if you went to him with a problem, you had to make sure you have a proposed solution.
He heard everyone and after speaking with him, one would leave his office satisfied.
In November 1999, I was involved in a fatal robbery in which one of two bandits was killed in east Trinidad. The day after, Mr Kissoon called me. We had a very long conversation. He sent then editor Andy Johnson one night to check me. Lennox Grant was then Editor in Chief, and he too called me to say that Mr Kissoon had asked that I focus on returning to work.
The following week, I returned to work. While sitting in the newsroom, my extension rang. It was his loyal and devoted secretary, Susan Clement.
“Robert, Mr Kissoon would like to see you now in his office now,” were her words I remembered. My heart might have skipped a beat then.
He warmly greeted me when I entered his office, inviting me to sit. We spent almost two hours chatting. He took no calls from anyone.
In our discussion I saw a man of passion and sincerity. He cared. He told me several stories of his young life and when he worked at Caroni 1975 Ltd and at TTT.
He was also close to former head of news Rosemarie Sant, Sunday Guardian Editor Debra Wanser, former managing director Brandon Khan and Steve Dipnarine.
He drove a black Honda Accord. Most Saturday mornings he would come to the office to go over to the horse racing pool on Queen Street with his right-hand men, Paltoo and Toolsie, both former employees. They were close to him. Yes, he was a horse racing enthusiast and could have given good tips.
Sean Clement, the supervisor of maintenance, always ensured the Honda was clean and in top order.
I am sure that most people who interacted or confided in him would have been asked a few questions: “What is your purpose in life? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?”
He would put you on the spot and have you thinking. He was a family-oriented man and always encouraged others to cherish their families.
He never came to the newsroom unless it was absolutely necessary and was not accustomed to getting involved in editorial matters unless he was invited to do so.
He even retained former government minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan to come to the Guardian to hold motivational sessions with managers and other employees. I was fortunate to be part of that.
In 2007, I got a job offer from the Express. I was about to leave the Guardian. Another call from Susan saying Mr Kissoon wanted to see me immediately. As I knocked on the door to enter his office, he said: “Yes Robert, come in and have a seat.”
He said he understood that I got a job offer from the Express. I admitted it was a fact. He asked about the terms and conditions offered. I told him. He asked to see the Express package but, unfortunately, that letter was home. He asked that I bring it the following day for him.
The next morning, I went over to his office. I gave him the envelope. He opened and read it. He then said: “You not going anywhere. We need you here.”
He picked up his phone on his desk and called then general manager Ingrid Isaac to come to his office. He told her something. I never saw that letter again. He threw it in the bin.
Days later, Mrs Isaac presented me with a letter which I still have in my possession and read up to yesterday, August 26, 2023.
Again, Mr Kissoon was never too busy to see anyone except if he was engaged, and even if he was at a meeting, one was guaranteed to get a call later in the day or the next day from Susan saying that Mr Kissoon would see you now.
In 2008, I received the TPCL Managing Directors Award for dependability. It is an award no one else in this company has received to date. I also received the Spirit of the Newsroom Award that same year.
Grenfell Kissoon was a true leader and mentor to many at Guardian Media.
May his good soul rest in peace.
