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Leeron Brumell is a Guyanese multimedia journalist who has worked in print and electronic media in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. He covered several history-making moments in sport and current affairs. But above all, he enjoys the history-making moments and the memories he’s creating as a father.

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We did not grow up rich. My mom was a teacher and dad, a retired police commissioner. They strived to make life better for us and ensured food was on the table. They made sure that education was our focus and that good morals, and values were taught. My siblings and I were encouraged to try new things: from sports to art and music, steel pan, bass and even scouts.

“I don’t want another military man in the family”

When I was getting ready to leave secondary school, The Bishops’ High Guyana, I was still undecided about my career path. The intent was to join the Cadets course of the Guyana Defence Force but my mom said she didn’t want another military man in the family. At the University of Guyana, while studying for a Diploma in Communication Studies, I worked in the print media, the Guyana Chronicle and Kaieteur News. I had left my first job as a Sport Reporter at the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), now NCN Inc. From 2003-2006, I worked in print journalism before returning to NCN Inc Television/Radio, as Sport Editor and later being promoted to News Editor and then moving to Trinidad in 2008. The journey has been rewarding thus far.

Through athletics as a Public Relations Officer/Media Manager, I benefited from International Olympic Committee (IOC) courses in Sport Administration (Guyana), Mass Communication (Argentina) and even served as Team Manager for junior teams to the South American and Pan Am Games in 2007.

I have also had some other memorable experiences in journalism. In sport, there was the coverage of the Hampton Games in Trinidad (2003), witnessing the legendary Gail Devers live in action, the introduction of the Junior rivalry between Darrel Brown (TT) and Yohan Blake (JA), inaugural South American 10k in Suriname (2003), and the Caribbean’s hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007.

Different cultures, many athletes at their peak and the exposure to a different form of reporting through the BBC, made these experiences top of mind.

In “hard news”, I’ve covered many stories ranging from The Lusignan Massacre, during our dark period in Guyana; 5^th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, being in the presence of the then recently-elected Barack Obama; and covering Tropical Storm Tomas in Barbados 2010. Investigative journalism training with the late Andrew Jennings (the man who made public the FIFA corruption scandal) and covering the life of a family in Sangre Grande, Trinidad who was living down a trail in a very forested area and seeking a change in their life situation, were other moments that I will always remember. The fact that the children studied under candlelight and walked miles to access an education paired with their commitment, were admirable. My interaction with that family, will always remain with me.

“That’s the nature of the job”

Journalists often get a bad rep. One day we’re the bastions of truth and the next, we’re among the most hated in society, but that’s the nature of this job.

I stick to the principles/basics of journalism and I teach and try to maintain the same with my team. I remind them not to add nor subtract from what is there. Present both sides or as many sides as possible and let the audience decide.

I have had to convince people in hostile environments and those experiencing trauma and turmoil to trust me enough to speak with me in the hope that what they say, will make it to air/print. I also leave all my contact details. Once they are satisfied that I did not misrepresent their experiences, I am fine with that. I give my best always so I am not overly fazed by the negative comments about journalists because many comments are often made without understanding the process of news gathering and presentation.

To the young men who may be thinking about a career in journalism, I would tell him that journalism is what you make of it.

If you view it as difficult, then it will be. It is a daily process. We do it and don’t realise it. We listen and then we tell a story. It is a rewarding profession, but it takes time and dedication.

There is ‘dog work’ involved: hot sun and rain, mud, rocks, sand, dumpsites and then there are “dress up” days. The opportunities are endless, but above all, always be trustworthy because your name is all that you have. It will either  be highly spoken of or cursed in all corners.

As someone who left secondary school still unsure about his career path, I would  tell anyone in that same position to take advantage of opportunities before you. Always seek out education (long or short courses) and do not be afraid to invest in or try new things.

“Words can barely begin to describe”

In addition to the joy I experience from pursuing journalism, I enjoy being a father. Being a father has been truly rewarding, enjoyable, and surreal.

Having someone look up to you is the greatest feeling ever. The hugs, the kisses, the ‘stick to dad’ wherever he goes moments, watching him grow, showing me his personality and showing me off to his friends, are just some of the experiences that bring me immense joy. Words can barely begin to describe. 

Notwithstanding the joy I feel, I know there are many fathers, particularly those from the Caribbean, who don’t have good relationships with their children. There may be many reasons for this, but I think the past and society play a big role. In the past, (and still to this day) men were expected to be tough and not speak about their feelings. In a lot of those cases, men went with what society expected and not what they should have done, which is to fight to be part of their children’s lives. It will take a while for society and more so our judicial systems to accept that men are equal to and in some cases, better caregivers than women.

I hope that this happens sooner rather than later so that children don’t continue to suffer as a result of absent fathers.

To those fathers who are separated from their children, I want to urge you to be there for your child/children. Speak to them every day and let them know that they are important and that you care. Never give up the fight to ensure that they are taken care of and catered for. Teach them the ways of life as best as you can.

“Building a solid foundation”

Being a father and holding down a full-time job in journalism are demanding and at times, it is quite tough finding that “work-life balance” that we hear so much about. In my case, I am naturally a night owl so I plan most of my activities after dark because daylight hours are demanding. However, understanding the needs of my son at this stage of his development, has forced me to find ways in-between work hours and at every opportunity to find activities to aid his development.

In ten years, I hope to be enjoying the solid foundation that I have been building for my son, while working as a leading communication consultant in Guyana or wherever I may branch out.

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Leeron is currently the Head of News and Current Affairs (Editor in Chief) at NCN Guyana.