Ceola Wilson described as brilliant, intense and authentic
Ceola Wilson. Photo from Facebook
Moving tributes are being paid after the passing of journalist Ceola Wilson, at the age of 64.
Known for her fearless and direct reporting style, Ms Wilson made her mark at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company and the now-defunct DeFontes Broadcasting Company, before setting up her own news website, Bermuda Real.
She also produced several landmark documentaries, highlighting the plight of islanders struggling with poverty, the incarcerated – and one of Bermuda’s first heart transplant patients.
A former Warwick Academy student and 1984 graduate of Long Island University, Ms Wilson’s career spanned four decades in radio, television and print.
Rick Richardson, the former CEO of Bermuda Broadcasting Company, said Ms Wilson was a rare individual who gave her all, at all times: “Ceola was serious about her craft of journalism and demanded respect. She was fearless, intense, and quick-witted.
“She honed her skills in the tough market in New York when we sent her for a working stint at WLIB. When she returned to Bermuda she was better than ever. Ceola was a brilliant investigative journalist and we will sadly miss her.”
Ian Rawlins, Head of Business Development at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, first met Ms Wilson when he was a 19-year-old summer student at the station: “After just one week working alongside her, I knew we’d create quite a stir in the newsroom. As a summer student, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in journalism and production, and Ceola’s guidance was instrumental in shaping my skills. She exemplified the art of breaking news, asking tough questions, and crafting compelling stories. Her daily reminder echoed in the newsroom: ‘7:00pm comes every day, we need to present a newscast every day.’ Her passion for fresh stories and commitment to meeting deadlines were truly inspiring, and her influence has had a lasting impact on my approach to journalism.”
Former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of Ms Wilson, “a journalist whose voice and presence helped shape Bermuda’s media landscape for decades … Ceola was unique among Bermudian journalists. She answered to no one but herself. That independence was not merely a professional trait; it was her hallmark. She approached her work with conviction, asked the questions others avoided, and remained steadfast in her commitment to reporting as she believed it should be done. I extend my sincere condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. May they take comfort in knowing that her work made a lasting impact on Bermuda.”
Ms Wilson’s former colleague at Bermuda Broadcasting, Trevor Lindsay, posted a tribute on Facebook which triggered hundreds of responses, many of them praising Ms Wilson’s contribution to Bermuda.
Mr. Lindsay described Ms Wilson as “a woman who was never soft around the edges, never watered down, and never pretended to be anything other than exactly who she was … Her mind was sharp, her instincts unmatched, and her presence unforgettable. One of the most brilliant female reporters Bermuda has ever seen.”
Former journalist Valerie Pethen, who once ran the Bermuda Government’s communications office, described Ms Wilson as “the most authentic journalist I have worked with … She challenged everything. Cabinet ministers cringed when she was in a press conference. They tried to ban her. I wanted her there to ask the tough questions all the other reporters were afraid to ask. She sought truths from them she already knew. Tough! Brave. Brilliant. Totally unapologetic.”
Former MPs also posted tributes to Ms Wilson, on Trevor Lindsay’s Facebook page.
Patricia Gordon Pamplin said Ms Wilson was a fierce reporter who always strove to show a balanced account of whatever subject she was reporting, and did not suffer fools gladly: “Underneath her tough boss lady facade, there was a soft, vulnerable, kind and sensitive person. I pray that she will rest in peace, and that her family will be comforted by embracing the profound impact and footprint of her legacy.”
John Barritt recalled working with Ms Wilson’s mother at the Bermuda Sun: “As they say, apples do not fall far from the tree. I was not the least bit surprised when Ceola chose to pursue a career in journalism. It suited her perfectly and she never ever gave up as she pursued the story that needed to be told. No question Ceola will be missed – and by many.”
