South celebrates life of ‘Bat’

THE NAME of veteran newsman Alwyn De Coteau was immortalised yesterday as the Association of Media Photographers of Trinidad and Tobago (AMPOTT) announced that an award will be created in his name. President of AMPOTT Krishna Maharaj made the announcement in reading the eulogy at the funeral service for De Coteau, which was well attended by Government officials, media, cultural personalities, and policemen. De Coteau, affectionately known as “Bat,” was given a hero’s farewell service, with the hearse bearing his body giving him a “last ride” through the city streets of San Fernando, followed by a procession by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force, members of the South media, relatives and friends, ending at the amphitheatre of Harris Promenade.

The service took on a jovial atmosphere, as De Coteau was remembered for his uniqueness in extempo and verbal tribute, which brought smiles throughout the gathering. Maharaj recalled De Coteau, in his role as a photo-jounalist, as he took to the streets to get the news. Maharaj said: “On a daily basis, “Bat” could be seen traversing (the Mag-istrates’ Court) from one end to the other with a notepad in hand, camera bag on his shoulder, complete with cigarette in his mouth. “The precinct of the lower court was his playground. It was there he practiced his profession as a photo-journalist who had mastered the art of being at the right place at the right time to get the story of the day.” San Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly remarked of De Coteau: “In his own unique way, he gained the love and affection of everyone he came into contact with, as you can see by the remarkable turnout today. He will always be remembered as a friend of the San Fernando City Corpora-tion (SFCC) and we will do our utmost to ensure his memory remains.”

Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago president Dale Enoch remarked that it is sad when the media loses a talented and experienced newsman such as De Coteau, especially when the association needs the experience and qualifications that are so important for a democracy. Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams presented De Coteau’s widow, Carol, with a cheque on behalf of the Marabella Carnival Improvement Committee, as she expressed appreciation for De Coteau’s support to the group. Also in attendance were San Fernando West Mem-ber of Parliament Dianne Seukeran; SFCC CEO Marlene Coudray; TUCO president of South Central Ras Kommada; Mas bandleaders Ivan and Wendy Kallicharan; Former Chief of Defence Force of TT Brigadier Carl Alpohonso and other members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.