Tributes continue to pour in for Newsday photographer Sureash Cholai following his sudden passing on Sunday. He was 58.
His co-workers at Newsday said his personality, willingness to assist and share knowledge made the job easier.
Veteran reporter Sean Douglas said Cholai had a very comforting manner for the reporter accompanying him on the job.
“Reviewing the past month of assignments we shared, I see how his photos truly captured the spirits of his subjects, such as the witnesses at the recent Paria commission of enquiry. His photos showed the inquisition of attorneys, plus the various openness or defensiveness of witnesses. His pictures spoke a thousand words. By his decades of work, he made a great input to the TT media and by extension TT 's media freedom.
[caption id="attachment_998523" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Naparima MP Rodney Charles raises a point on the Opposition bench in Parliament on November 11, 2022, as photographed by Sureash Cholai.[/caption]
“Last November, we drove up and down trying to find a smouldering house where an elderly woman had tragically died in a fire. After that, we went to meet flood victims in Spring Village. In that horrid drizzly and overcast day, Sureash was a real 'soldier' to have by one's side, exuding a comforting vibe. Gone too soon.”
Reporter Elizabeth Gonzales said she looked forward to working with Cholai, as his personality made the job easier.
“I first met him in 2018 while I worked at the Newsday Tobago office. He covered the arrival of the Galleon's Passage. When he came off the boat and introduced himself, his unforgettable personality stood out in that interaction. Over the years, it never changed. He will be greatly missed.”
Reporter Narissa Fraser said, “Sureash had an infectious, wholesome, innocent energy that reminded you there are good people out there who are genuine. He made me laugh or smile during every interaction. Seeing him in the newsroom automatically lifted my mood. And on top of all of that, he was excellent at his job. I will miss him immensely.”
[caption id="attachment_998520" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Christopher Boodram, survivor of the Paria diving tragedy, overcome by grief at the commission of enquiry, Tower D, Waterfront, Port of Spain as photographed by Sureash Cholai on November 11, 2022.[/caption]
Cholai worked with Newsday for 19 years, having joined the staff in December 2003. He was originally from Cedar Hill, Princes Town, and went directly to the media from school at ASJA College in San Fernando, joining the TT Mirror and Sunday Punch, where he rose to the role of senior photographer, and then the Express, before joining the Newsday.
TV6 journalist James Saunders said he met Cholai over 20 years ago when Saunders started at the TT Mirror South Bureau.
“He was one of my early mentors as he would freely give advice about the profession while guiding my young steps. I will remember him for his always smiling disposition and the boldness with which he carried out his duties.”
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