BGIS pays tribute to John Manning

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, July 25, 2007 - The Barbados Government Information Service has paid tribute to John Manning one of its former deputy chief information officers who died recently at age 68.

The career mass media practitioner, a graduate of the Combermere School, Barbados, and the Ryerson Polytechnic in Canada, served at the Government Information Service for 26 years, retiring in 1999.

"We at the Barbados Government Information Service pay highest tribute to the life and memory of this public servant who in the exercise of his vocation, willingly placed it in the service of informing the nation," the service said in a statement Tuesday as it extended condolences to his wife Sheila and son Peter as well as other relatives.

The BGIS said Manning was part of it broadcast image. His portfolio included productions on an extensive range of government issues and activities.

"Whatever the subject area his work was characterized by thoroughness of research and an attention to detail that was supported by his relentless drive for perfection.  This, combined with an easy personality, made him an excellent mentor for young officers who showed an interest in broadcasting."

In 1985, John Manning was appointed Deputy Chief Information Officer with special responsibility for technical matters in the Department. In this new role, he had full oversight of the BGIS transition to more modern broadcast facilities and can be credited for securing greater overseas training and other opportunities for staff.
"This enlarged managerial responsibility did nothing to prevent his continued hands-on production of quality television documentaries. On his retirement, he turned to literary publication, authoring 'Inside the Centre' and 'The Land Owners'. It is of note that until his death, he maintained a keen interest in things pertaining to BGIS.