Letter: Highly principled editor John Barritt never shared source of his scoop

Dear Sir,

In reference to your article about John Barritt Jr in the Bermuda Sun on the occasion of your 50 years of publication (May 16).

Firstly, may I offer my sincere congratulation on the 50 years of the vital publication of the Bermuda Sun.

I was intrigued by your story on John Barritt Jr. as editor of the Sun at a time of turmoil within the United Bermuda Party. 

At that time I had been asked to come back as chairman to help sort out what became known as the leadership problem. 

How John Barritt, the Sun’s editor at that time, was able to publish the very confidential report that followed the very secretive meeting of the UBP Parliamentarians, really baffled the writers of the report. 

Yes, he had the story, word for word, of that report.

It was signed by Sir Henry Tucker, Sir Edward Richards, myself as chairman of the party and Luis Bernardo and Arnold Todd of the Executive Committee.

John Barritt has never revealed to me, as a highly principled journalist, his source of the report. And I have never revealed to him that I discovered who his source was, and how his source obtained it.

There were only two copies printed. One was in the UBP safe and the other, quite rightly, was presented to the Premier. 

The Sun’s report was indeed accurate and ultimately helped, by its publication, to resolve the problem the UBP had. 

I have always admired the integrity of John Barritt who continues to be, in my opinion, along with Tim Hodgson, one of the best educated and principled journalists of our time.

The Bermuda Sun with its excellent journalists and management, continues to play a vital and important role in Bermuda’s affairs and long may it continue. 

Dr Clarence R.Terceira

Sandys