It is with great sadness that WACC has learnt of the death of Dr Albert Bertie Manuel, a WACC Honorary member, on 30th of April 2009, in Santhome, Chennai in India. Affectionately and widely known as Bertie, Dr Manuel was a key figure in the establishment of the ‘new’ WACC in 1975. He was one of the pioneers that at that time provided a theological framework to the communication task of the Association. He joined WACC in 1973 through the Agency for Christian Literature development (ACLD) and two years later he was appointed Director of the newly formed Print Media Development Unit (PMDU). In later years Bertie became Regional Coordinator for WACC Asia and Director of Project Evaluation. As such, Bertie accompanied a very large number of projects in different parts of the world and developed close relationships with several WACC regional associations.
Dr. Albert “Bertie” Manuel being awarded the Honorary Life Membership by the then WACC President, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro.

Although unable to speak Spanish, Bertie developed a strong and lasting relationship with the leaders of the then Latin America and Caribbean Regional Association. He would tease them claiming that they had developed the ‘mañana theology’ which could mean to put aside responsibilities for another time but which could also mean working for a better tomorrow. He often repeated the word in Spanish, as a way of encouraging others to undertake the communication task ahead and to maintain commitment to it.

Throughout his tenure, Bertie promoted his passion for print media by initiating a series of workshops and seminars in different regions on content analysis, production techniques, creative editing, financial management and marketing.

Perhaps one of Bertie’s most notable achievements as a WACC staff member was the foundational work he pioneered into the WACC presence at the Frankfurt Book Fair. For many years, and until 2002, WACC brought together publishing house staff from around the world, especially the Global South, for seminars, training and the experience of finding their place in the world of publishing.

Bertie was also responsible for recruiting the Rivera sisters, Rebecca and Mary Luz, who jointly served WACC for more than 60 years. Both Rebecca and Mary provided support for Bertie throughout his time with WACC and helped him manage a large workload. Current staff member, Maria ‘Tita’ Aveggio, who worked with Dr Manuel in project evaluation, remembers how only the Rivera sisters could help her ‘decipher’ his handwriting!.

In October 2005, WACC awarded Bertie its Honorary Life membership for his dedication and outstanding commitment to WACC’s Christian Principles of communication. The WACC Honorary Life Membership, established in 1995, is awarded to individuals who have a long association with WACC and have upheld the WACC Christian Principles of Communication, among other criteria.

Dr Manuel retired from WACC in 1989 and returned to India.

Upon learning of his death, WACC’s former General Secretary, Rev Carlos Valle said that “I had the happiness to share the ministry of communication with him and to receive his encouragement and the calm wisdom that he knew how to offer.

“Our warm and fraternal memories to a fellow traveler and a faithful servant of God and our appreciation and sympathy to all his family.”

WACC’s current General Secretary, Randy Naylor, remembers Bertie as someone “Who had a great passion for cricket and he would often absent himself from meetings—physically or via a small ear plug attached to a radio receiver—to listen to the latest developments in a cricket match.  That same passion was also evident in his work related to publishing and publications.  He is remembered throughout much of the Global South as someone committed to giving voice to the South through word and print.”

Dr Manuel was buried on 2nd May after a funeral service held at the CSI St Thomas English Church, Santhome. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Vimla Manuel, daughters Preethi and viji and son Anand.

To read more tributes to Bertie, please click here…

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