THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE PASSING of Gordon 'Chief' Stewart caused me to think back almost 40 years to June 1963 when I joined JBC to assist in starting the television service. Gordon and I shared a common name but were not related. Gordon Stewart was then Chief of Technical and Administrative Services responsible for the overall technical operation of the radio service.
Mike Hately, chief engineer and myself as senior maintenance engineer enjoyed full support from a man who could have made life difficult if he and his senior colleagues Cliff Jennings and M.G. Robinson had taken a less constructive approach to the influx of outsiders. As it was 'Chief' Gordon gave help beyond his remit and was a source of local knowledge and radio engineering expertise until the day he left JBC to join his son in business.
I well remember his pride and love for his 'baby,' the Warieka short wave reception station from which world radio news and wire services were relayed. In its day it was a prime site, well conceived and well set up. Located, as it was, it became necessary to arm the designated operator! Technology has moved on and today such services require a simple satellite receiver or Internet line! He did it when there only was the hard way!
The courtesies continued when I moved on to work for a company in direct competition with his; "Things can get tough, if you need help just call" was the message I got when he learned where I was working.
I know I speak for many at the old JBC when I extend my respect and sadness at the passing of a capable gentleman, a real Jamaican radio pioneer, Gordon Leslie 'Chief' Stewart.
I am etc.,
LAURIE STEWART
laurence.stewart@cwjamaica.com
