After 27 remarkable years in journalism, Clint Chan Tack has penned a heartfelt farewell to Newsday, the Trinidad-based publication he served with unwavering dedication since 1998. His reflective account traces an extraordinary career that began fresh from completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at UWI’s St. Augustine campus, when he first stepped into Newsday’s former Chacon Street office in Port of Spain.
Chan Tack’s journey commenced at Newsday’s South Bureau in San Fernando, a modest windowless space within the Courts Building on High Street. There, under the mentorship of seasoned colleagues including Richard Charan, Azard Ali, Azlan Mohammed, Sascha Wilson and Sunil Ramjitsingh, he cultivated the foundational skills of reporting and developed a profound love for journalism.
The influential leadership of founding editor-in-chief Therese Mills left an indelible mark on Chan Tack’s professional development. He recalls her as both forthright and wise, offering balanced praise and constructive criticism that shaped his journalistic approach. Another pivotal figure, Anil Goorahoo, helped craft his first byline story with the enduring advice: “Keep it straight, simple and stupid.”
Chan Tack’s career evolved from covering courts and general news to specializing in political journalism, a transition he attributes to observing parliamentary proceedings in 1999. He witnessed firsthand the dramatic transformation of political adversaries Patrick Manning and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj from friendly colleagues to fierce opponents during House of Representatives sessions.
Over his extensive career, Chan Tack covered every major electoral event from 1999 to 2026, including general, local government, Tobago House of Assembly elections, and by-elections. He reported on historic moments such as Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s election as Trinidad and Tobago’s first female prime minister in 2010 and her subsequent reelection in 2025.
His professional portfolio expanded to international journalism when he covered several CARICOM Heads of Government conferences across the region. Particularly memorable was Trinidad’s hosting of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009, which marked the regional debut of newly elected US President Barack Obama, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting where he witnessed Queen Elizabeth II speak with characteristic grace and gravitas.
Chan Tack also excelled in economic reporting, leading coverage of budget presentations by finance ministers including Winston Dookeran, Larry Howai, Karen Nunez-Tesheira, Colm Imbert and Davendranath Tancoo. His brief tenure as editor of Newsday’s Business Day magazine provided additional insight under the guidance of creator Rory Rostant, whose work ethic he describes as “unmatched.”
In his farewell, Chan Tack pays tribute to numerous colleagues who embodied Newsday’s commitment to journalistic excellence, including late chief photographer Rattan Joo, whose trained eye and brutal honesty set professional standards. He reflects on the publication’s legacy as a journalistic “David” that consistently challenged media “Goliaths” and prevailed against considerable odds.
His emotional departure from Newsday’s Carlton Centre office marks the end of an era, both personally and for the publication he served for nearly three decades. Chan Tack concludes with a hopeful message that Newsday’s core values of trust, integrity and character will endure as timeless virtues in an ever-evolving media landscape.
