The late newspaper owner and renowned Caribbean journalist David de Caires has been described as a titan who stood up for truth and justice and a great defender of freedom of the press. These were some of the many tributes paid to him during a memorial service in London on January 16.

De Caires, 70, chairman and editor-in-chief of the Stabroek News in Guyana when he passed away after a brief illness in September 2008, was also remembered for his love of sport, music, the arts and for encouraging young people into pursuing higher education.

More than 100 family members, friends and former associates, led by his widow Doreen, daughter Isabelle and son-in-law and former England cricket captain, Michael Atherton, packed the Church of the Immaculate Conception Church in Mayfair, London, to witness the service, which was officiated by Father Nick King.

Defender of free speech

The first and second lessons were read by Michael Atherton and Mary de Caires, who also paid tribute to her uncle, describing him as a giant who loved his family just as much as he loved taking on the challenging role of defender of free speech.

Anthony deFreitas, cousin, gave a moving tribute, which was filled with anecdotes of young David de Caires, the sports-loving enthusiast, who showed his prowess at cricket before going on to study law in England and later becoming a renowned Caribbean journalist.

De Caires, deFreitas said, had a great deal of respect for the older generation as well as being a source of encouragement for the younger generation. He also noted the commendable partnership with de Caires' wife, Doreen, who played a vital part in de Caires' professional and personal life.

A lover of life

Other tributes came from former British ambassador to Guyana, Edward Glover, who held office from 1998-2002. He said: "David was a great friend, a great intellect, a man of tremendous integrity and a lover of life. I very much enjoyed being in his company and I admired his great wit."

Glover is now chairman of the trustees of Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development, which helps to preserve the wetlands and the inhabitants who live in the vast rainforests in Guyana.

Also paying tribute was former colleague and associate senior lecturer at Coventry University, John Mair. He said: "David was a great defender of the free press and good journalism. He was courageous against adversity, a true professional who will be truly missed."