Editor’s Note (Tim Durand): Herry Royer, an extraordinary photographer and videographer with a unique personality and exceptional talent, left us on October 2, 2023, at the age of 69. He will be laid to rest today. I had the distinct honor and privilege of collaborating with Herry at the Government Information Service (GIS) as a volunteer TV anchor. We worked alongside other talented individuals such as Diane Francis, Adina Bellot-Valentine, and the late Ken Richards. I can honestly say that Herry was instrumental in providing me with hands-on television experience that complemented my theoretical knowledge gained as a mass communication student at the University of the West Indies. That experience significantly contributed to preparing me for my subsequent role as TV News Editor at Marpin Telecoms and Broadcasting.
Throughout our collaboration, Herry was more than just a colleague who greatly inspired me to pursue television as a serious career path; he also became a cherished friend. Our professional relationship continued even after he left GIS to establish his own video production company, where I worked as a presenter on a number of his projects.
I am grateful to Cecil Shillingford, Duncan Stowe, Adina Bellot-Valentine, and Alvin Knight for joining me in honoring Herry’s memory and paying tribute to his life and work as well as to Anthony “Brotherme” Richards – Herry’s longtime colleague and friend – for providing me with inspiration and assistance for this article. We remember the late Herry Royer as a pioneering photographer, videographer and television producer/director. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Cecil Shillingford – Former Head of GIS/friend
Herry Royer, a renowned photographer and videographer, was a professional who took immense pleasure in his work. His presence was a constant at every government event, capturing moments that he would later transform into informative video programs for local television stations. His creativity shone through in his video productions, which included advertisements and public service announcements.
Herry’s innovative spirit led him to propose the idea of a television government news program in addition to the mini-documentaries. After collaborative discussions with our small team, we decided to produce a thrice-weekly TV news package. The program, aptly named “Happenings” by Herry, was an exciting venture for our team of four.
Despite the additional workload, our team was enthusiastic and determined to succeed. We enlisted volunteers as TV news anchors and divided the tasks among ourselves. Herry and Anthony (Brotherme) Richards were responsible for video material collection, while Duncan Stowe and I, Cecil Shillingford, handled the news stories for the thrice-weekly package. Herry’s dedication was evident as he tirelessly worked in his GIS studio to produce a professional news package. His idea quickly became the leading local television program on the island, thanks to the support from the GIS staff and volunteers.
Herry’s jovial nature made him a delight to work with. He was always smiling, ready with a joke to lighten the mood. He was easy-going and never complained about anything.
During Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Herry could always be found along the carnival route capturing footage for future programs. This dedication extended to all major events in Dominica. His loss is deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him.
Duncan Stowe – Former GIS colleague/friend
Herry was not just a colleague, but a beacon of individuality in our midst. His distinct approach to life and work set him apart, making him a go-to person for fresh perspectives and challenging ideas.
Herry was a man of principles, living by the age-old maxims we were raised on, such as “let your conscience be your guide” and “a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.” Mediocrity had no place in Herry’s world. He strived for excellence in everything he did, always aiming to meet the highest standards.
His dedication to his craft was evident in his work at the Government Information Service (GIS), where he excelled as a photographer and videographer. His mantra, “let the helicopter land,” encapsulated his commitment to seeing every project through to its best possible conclusion.
But Herry was not just about work. He was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with loved ones. I joyfully spent many New Year’s Days at Herry’s home, where he and his wife Joanne would treat me to their culinary skills. Herry had a great love for cooking and baking, with his fruitcake and coconut tart being my particular favorites.
Even after leaving GIS, our bond remained strong. Herry moved on to run his own production studio while I ventured into my own office, but our camaraderie and friendship endured. Herry was selective about his social circle, preferring the company of family and close friends over large gatherings.
In essence, Herry Royer was an extraordinary individual. His unique approach to life and work left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not just for his professional accomplishments, but also for the remarkable person he was – different, principled, dedicated, and above all, deeply loved by those who knew him well.
Adina Bellot- Valentine – Former GIS colleague/friend
Herry Royer was a reserved, unassuming individual who, at first glance, might seem unaware of his surroundings. However, when he stood behind a camera, the world around him came alive.
In my early years as a GIS News Presenter, I had the opportunity to work with Herry. He welcomed me into the GIS “Happenings” News family when I was unsure of my abilities as a television news presenter. He once told me, “If you can read at church, you can read.”
Herry was instrumental in bringing television to the Government Information Service. His passion for television news was evident in his constant pursuit of excellence in our coverage for the audience.
Under his guidance, young cameramen were able to learn and bring out their best. Herry was punctual and ensured that filming and recordings were ready in time for broadcast.
During his tenure, Herry covered numerous major news events as both a camera operator and craft editor. He worked across the island with his team, gaining extensive experience filming alongside news reporters covering national events. Despite being an accomplished camera operator who said very little while working, he knew how to have fun and enjoyed a good laugh when time allowed.
We had memorable times at GIS with Herry leading us, whether it was fishing at the Cabrits or catching crabs along the West Coast road during hunting season. He was not one for showmanship and remained humble in all his endeavors.
Herry’s legacy will continue to live on at GIS. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Alvin Knight – Video production colleague/friend
My association with Herry deepened in his later years when he embarked on his solo journey. We collaborated on numerous magazine stories, including projects for the East Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank and the tourism department.
One of our notable works was a documentary for the Save the Children Fund, a program that sent educators to homes to engage children in activities such as block games and nursery rhymes. This initiative spanned across the Kalinago Territory, and we were privileged to document it.
Herry’s prowess behind the camera was unparalleled. His keen eye often captured details that I overlooked despite my training as a broadcaster. His meticulous approach often challenged me while scripting, but it was this attention to detail that made our documentaries exceptional.
We faced our share of challenges, like when we had to revisit a project for the tourism department after receiving feedback. However, Herry’s dedication and passion ensured that we delivered a product that met their expectations.
Our association extended beyond professional boundaries. We worked closely on advertising projects for Courts during Mike Jones’ tenure as PR person. Our bond dates back to the time when Herry ran his Photo One studio with his brother Curtis, which later evolved into Omega One.
Herry was more than a colleague; he was a dear friend. I had the honor of being his best man at his wedding, a testament to our close relationship.
Herry was indeed a pioneer in his field. He ventured into television and video production during its nascent stages in Dominica. His contributions to photography and videography were significant, with him and his brother establishing one of the first photo studios in the region.
As an individual, Herry was sincere and straightforward. He had a clear vision for his work and didn’t compromise on quality. Whether he was working with a model or shooting a documentary, he always strived for perfection.
His legacy lives on in the countless photographs he took and the numerous documentaries he created. His work serves as an inspiration for many aspiring photographers and videographers.
Herry Royer will be dearly missed but his contributions to the field will never be forgotten.
Dominica News Online extends sincere condolences to Herry’s widow, Joanne, and other members of his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
A true gentleman. Never heard him speak in a derogatory fashion on any subject. He was unassuming and a very kind individual. Sympathies to his wife Joanne their children and grandchildren. May he rest in Eternal Peace !
DNO – does “Editor’s note” have a name?
ADMIN: Point taken. We have included the name.
Continued..
Herry saw and reflected Dominica through his camera angles like no other, and his images and visual narratives represented a Dominica of beauty, talented people and hope.
I will remember Herry as a humble, generous, patient, humorous and kind human being.
Thank you Herry for everything, you will surely be missed.
My condolences to his wife and family.
Christiana Abraham
I would also like to join these colleagues in sharing a few words about Herry Royer.
I too worked with him as a news reader at GIS in the early-mid 1990s.
After I had left my position as a news-anchor and reporter at Marpin TV to take up a position at the Rural Communication Centre, Herry contacted me to join the team of news readers at GIS – which I readily accepted.
At GIS, my co-anchors included Raymond Lawrence, Tim Durand, Cecil Shillingford, Adina Bellot, Diane Francis among others. (This was a diverse team of media professionals that Herry himself had brought together). It was indeed a privilege and pleasure to work with Herry, a consummate professional who mastered his field and was instrumental in the development of television in Dominica.
Always innovative and forever ‘busy’ at perfecting his craft, Herry was a creative and innovative, problem-solver who made television happen from the little or any equipment that he could get his hands on.
May his soul rest in peace? condolence to his wife and family he was a very close friend.
I took worked with Herry Royer.This man was one of the nicest anyone could have come in contact with.He would always find a way to make you feel comfortable around him,always have a joke to give,along with an exceptional smile.Condolences to his family.May his soul rest in peace.