(CMR) Carol Winker (79), a veteran reporter with Cayman Compass for over 30 years, died early yesterday morning after losing her battle with cancer. Carol was a court reporter and well known in the community for cycling daily to and from the courthouse. Several legal officials including the attorney general and chief justice have shared their condolences.
Ms . Winker was the embodiment of fair and accurate journalism. She would at all times strive for accuracy over headlines. She prided herself on fairness and factual accuracy. In that regard she would often seek clarifications on issues she wasn’t clear about.
It was not unusual for Counsel to telephone her for unofficial verification of what was said in the criminal courts.
She was a very courteous reporter. We will all miss her and her journalistic attributes.
Hon.Samuel Bulgin – Attorney General
I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Ms Carol Winker for whom I have the highest regard. I first met Ms Winker in the early 1980s when I frequently appeared in the courts on behalf of the Crown and she was present to cover proceedings as reporter. She was always very careful to ensure the accuracy and fairness of her reports and to that end would from time to time ask for clarification of legal points. That kind of “consultancy” relationship continued between us after I became a judge and I ensured that whenever she felt the need to have clarification on issues that I or another colleague should be available. So high was the regard with which Ms Winker was held that she was never denied audience. We were all assured of her objectivity, fairness and dedication to getting the story “right”.
So reliable were her reports on cases that they came to be cited in Court under the affectionate moniker “the Winker Law Reports”. She was the consummate professional. The Judicial Administration will soon be announcing a fitting form of tribute to mark her contributions to the reporting of court proceedings. Cayman has lost a journalist of the highest order. May her soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her.
Chief Justice Smellie
Many others on social media shared their condolences on the loss of such a wonderful lady.
Winker arrived in Cayman from Winsconsin, USA, in the 1970’s as a teacher and resided in North Side since then. However, she soon started to write for the Caymanian Compass and became a fixture at the court office.
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