The Tribune

NASSAU, Bahamas — The Caribbean Sports Journalists’ Association (CASJA) is shocked by the sudden passing of colleague journalist Petra Gooding of Barbados.

Petra reportedly took ill and died at a local hospital at the age of 31 yesterday morning.

At the time of her death she was a sports reporter at the Nation Publishing Company (Barbados Nation) and recently covered the 45th CARIFTA Athletics Championships in Grenada, March 26-28.

Previously she worked at the Barbados Advocate Newspaper for seven years and attended the Combermere High School and the Barbados Community College.

Among those paying tributes to Petra is CASJA’s president Michael Bascombe who recalled their interaction at the track and field championships in Grenada, where she also lived for about four years. 

“It wasn’t the best of news on Tuesday morning to learn of Petra’s death after recently working along with her,” he said. “Our profession will surely miss a dedicated and committed role model, especially for young female journalists.”

“Words fail me at this time…wonderful friend, classmate and colleague. I will miss you! Rest in peace Pet,” said colleague journalist Fernella Wedderburn.

Earlier this year, the regional sports media lost another colleague in Brian McDonald of St Lucia. He collapsed and died on January 17 at the age of 43.

The sports media fraternity has suffered a loss in Petra’s passing and the members of CASJA offer their thoughts and prayers for her family and friends to be comforted during this difficult time of grief, and may her soul rest in eternal peace.