Sunday, August 3, 2025
FORMER Tribune journalist Nicki Kelly has died at her home in New Providence.
The 93-year-old worked for The Tribune for many years before later becoming a columnist with The Punch until its closure.
Known for being small in size but a giant in the media world, her determination in her journalism saw her clash with leading figures from all political sides.
She also encouraged journalists to be more aggressive in their reporting. At a symposium in 2002, she reprimanded others in her field, saying: "They do not keep themselves informed. They do not read and they do not know what is happening in the wider world and I think this is a serious problem."
She has been described as a "doyenne of journalism" while veteran journalist Oswald Brown described her as one of his "journalistic mentors" at The Tribune along with Sir Arthur Foulkes.
In a letter to Mr Brown in 2021, she wrote that "you, Arthur and I share a special bond in that we are the only journalists left from those early years when the country was undergoing historic changes. They were exciting times, and we felt we were helping to record that history."
She added: "I often tell people that the politicians of yesteryear, whatever their personal failings, were far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo that today's lot."
When being photographed for the Bahamian Project by Duke Wells, she reminisced about her involvement with the refurbishment of the Villa Doyle, now the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
She told the project of how from the beginning she had been helping to personally scrub away the filth at the villa, which she told the project was "just awful", but that they had a great time bringing the old building to life.
The project organisers noted that she was adamant she would not smile for her portrait, saying: "Her look was her look and it worked."
Comments
birdiestrachan says...
I loved mrs Kelly
Posted 3 August 2025, 12:12 p.m. Suggest removal
Jetflt says...
The Bahamas has lost a giant in journalism. One of a very few that perfected her craft, and will always be remembered as a journalist that spoke the truth - whether you wanted to hear it or not. The Bahamas and Bahamians are better because of the indelible mark you've left. RIP Nicki Kelly.
Posted 3 August 2025, 5:03 p.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
"She also encouraged journalists to be more aggressive in their reporting. At a symposium in 2002, she reprimanded others in her field, saying: "They do not keep themselves informed. They do not read and they do not know what is happening in the wider world and I think this is a serious problem."
So true, hey?
She added: "I often tell people that the politicians of yesteryear, whatever their personal failings, were far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo that today's lot."
Now, can anyone define "today's lot"?
Yes, she was a true giant of journalistic abilities.
She was far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo, than today's lot of supposed journalists.
Posted 4 August 2025, 7:24 a.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
"*They do not keep themselves informed. They do not read and they do not know what is happening in the wider world and I think this is a serious problem."*
**Nicki Kelly is a national treasure.** I am embarrassed as a Bahamian that she has to share that classification with some of this years questionable national honorees
I echo your sentiments. I'm often shocked by what isnt known, isnt researched and isnt asked. And it seems with expansion of media and access to cellphones more persons lacking innate curiosity are stepping up for social media "puffy", "influencer" journalistic titles. The departure of the likes of Ace Newbold, Carlton Smith and Juan McCartney.. most cannot see what is happening... intelligence is departing and being rwplaced by persons who can barely read...it does not bode well for us
Posted 4 August 2025, 12:19 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Reflecting on Her Legacy
Nicki Kelly leaves behind an enduring legacy—not only in her published work, but in her courage to speak truth to power, her passion for journalistic integrity, and her role as a cultural trailblazer. She will remain deeply missed by the media community and the Bahamian public, whose collective voice she helped to shape.
***Rest in peace, Nicki Kelly—your voice and legacy endure.***
Posted 4 August 2025, 8:33 a.m. Suggest removal
bogart says...
Nicki Kelly's steadfast courage and bravery in journalism earned her the enormous trust and respect among readership, like an oracle type figure, that large population would seek out the Thursday Punch newspaper and delve into the middle pages to find her writings and also share it with others. Rest in peace.
Posted 4 August 2025, 11:18 a.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Uh I guess there must have truly been a "colonial subjects' time"" **before so-called journalists** had to pledge their political allegiance for getting hired-on by the Office of the Premiership's life-time gravy*train.** --- A time long passed when a journalist, singlehandedly came the closest to holding local officials' **asses to the fire**. --- Passing of Comrade Nicki Bentouvanis-Kelly. -- Sleep On. -- Wouldn't picked such a sad passing to have made it all up --- Yes?
Posted 4 August 2025, 3:17 p.m. Suggest removal
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