BAVINA SOOKDEO
In the realm of journalism, there are individuals whose dedication and passion serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring reporters and editors.
Camille Moreno, the editor-in-chief of Newsday, is undeniably one of them.
As Newsday marks its 30th anniversary, we sat down with Moreno to gain insights into her journey in the field of journalism and the newspaper’s enduring commitment to journalistic integrity.
A lifelong love for storytelling
At 51, Camille Moreno has spent the majority of her life immersed in the world of journalism.
Her journey began in 1995, but the seeds of her passion were sown earlier. While doing her first degree at UWI, Moreno’s submission to a student programme at the Guild of Undergraduates led her to explore her areas of interest. led her to explore her areas of interest. At the time, her primary interests were education and journalism. Though her academic focus was on English and history, the allure of storytelling and the power of the press drew her closer to journalism.
She grew up in a household where news was a constant presence, so Moreno’s awareness of current events and their impact on society was deeply ingrained. This awareness, combined with her studies and an affinity for the performing arts, shaped her journalistic sensibilities.
She was always drawn to the idea of telling people’s stories and shining a light on important issues, whether cultural, political, or social in nature.
Moreno’s career began with an internship in subediting and layout at the Express, an opportunity that would set the course for her future. She acknowledges the influence of mentors such as Deborah John, Terry Joseph, Lennox Grant, Raoul Pantin, Keith Smith, Earl Best, Della-Ann Stewart, Marlon Miller and Peter Balroop.
From the Express, she ventured to the Guardian, where she developed even further. By the time she left, she had experience as a news editor and a business editor.
With even more enthusiasm to make a positive difference, Moreno eventually landed at Newsday in 2006 as an editor.
“Suzanne Mills (then editor at Newsday) is the one who reached out to me and invited me to join the Newsday,” Moreno said. “I had known her previously, having been on reporting assignments together. I also remembered her from working with an international agency at a diplomatic event, because she was fluent in Spanish.
"Knowing who her mother was (Therese Mills, an illustrious figure in media circles), I jumped at the opportunity of working with Suzanne and her mother.”
Moreno said the impact of Suzanne and Therese Mills on her journalistic odyssey transcends mere words.
“Suzanne was fearless, and it showed in how determined she was to raise and address issues,” said Moreno. “She was also a very good political columnist – and she was fun, too. She loved pan; she created her very own political party in the newsroom called Party Hearty and went all out with printing T-shirts and logos. She really had that kind of energy as an editor-in-chief.
"She was very fearless an
