Our friend and colleague Andrel Harris has been missing for more than a week. The Cayman Islands Coast Guard called off the search Thursday, leaving as many questions as answers. We take this space today for Andrel’s co-workers to send personal messages of tribute and support.
Lots of pain and little words right now for you, Harris. I hope we meet again; I’d like to chat about a few things. Until then, take your time and write a few tales of the sea, my brother.
– Seaford Russell Jr.
I miss you a lot, bro, it’s not the same without you. I come in and keep looking for you at your desk. Every time we talk about hurricane season, I remember that time you came to rescue me. Oh boy, I was trapped in my apartment and could not get out because of the shutters. You said, ‘Have no fear, I am there,” and you came in that yellow raincoat that we also joked about and opened my shutters to get me out. I had never been so excited to see your smiling face. We had so much fun that day chasing storm stories after I was freed. I know I can always count on you to be my hurricane season hero. In fact, I always have fun working with you. Your love for our various teams over the years and passion on issues in our community has always been a source of inspiration for me. I love you dearly.
– Reshma Ragoonath
Andrel is a man of ingenuity, strong beliefs and quiet strength. He gives freely of himself and still has so much more to offer this community. His loyalty to my husband and I has never wavered, and he stands firm in what he believes; a rare quality that shows who he truly is.
One memory I will always treasure is the day he and his longtime girlfriend came to our house during the pandemic to tell us in person they were expecting their first child. Even though we were in quarantine after recently travelling, Andrel insisted on sharing the news face to face. I will never forget them standing on the landing of our staircase, looking up at us full of excitement. Andrel was proud and happy to be becoming a father. That moment showed how much respect he has for my husband and I. It meant so much to us.
This thoughtful act showed the kind of person Andrel is. He sees my husband as a father figure and has honoured that bond in many small but meaningful ways.
His absence leaves a heavy feeling, and the questions left behind are hard. But one thing I know is this: Andrel is deeply loved, and that love will not fade.
I truly believe this is not goodbye.
Andrel, I will see you again.
– Mona Lisa Meade
From tendering boats to being one of the most respected Caymanian journalists this country has seen – you Harris, are truly one of a kind. There really isn’t anyone like you and never will be.
With passion, humility, loyalty, dedication, and your best foot forward, you have covered some of Cayman’s high-profile crime and court cases and human interest stories, connecting with communities across these islands, and showing empathy and compassion to families impacted by crime, death, and despair.
Our friendship has evolved over the years and I’m so grateful that beyond our professional relationship, we have cultivated a friendship that is rooted in respect, laughter, deep conversations, food/drink outings, fishing trips, creative ideas/projects, care and love.
Since our Radio Cayman days, you’ve always been in my corner, believing in my dreams and my potential – seeing more in me than I could see in myself.
You have always been my support, a guide and never strayed away from providing much needed advice.
It was one phone call in 2023 that I’ll never forget – an opportunity to stretch my wings, step out of my comfort zone and tap into my highest potential as a journalist. You told me I was the woman for the job and you believed that it would propel me to greater levels in my life and career. You had a bit of convincing to do, but finally got me to make the most life-changing pivot of my career, for which I am grateful.
It was the first week on the job, I reached out to you and said I didn’t think I could do it. You said, “Yes, you can do this, but it won’t be easy.” Those were all the assuring words I needed.
This is just who you are.
With a laugh heavier than your ‘muscular medium’ stature and often quiet disposition, you give space for people to be authentic, to grow, to be challenged, and to be loved. You are a reminder of the goodness we find in people, and the dedication and honour of service.
The brilliance of you is to be found in every Hollywood opening, storytelling lede, every news article, television stand up, b-roll, sound bite, SOT, every VO, every healthy debate, witty banter, thought-provoking question, insightful perspective on a matter.
My greatest joy is having the opportunity to stand beside you as correspondents/field journalists for the 2025 official swearing-in ceremony for Cayman’s newest government. We made a great team that day. I’ll never forget it.
Harris, I miss you. I miss you and Seaf meeting in the mornings with a healthy dose of teasing and provocation. Hope we get to sit down and have food and drinks again soon.
And don’t worry, it’s on me. 🙂
– Shanda Gallego
This is so shocking and sad. I can’t quite believe it and I still hope you are sitting off somewhere with a wry smile and a cold Guinness and a master plan that none of us can figure out. You’re one of the coolest guys I know – smart, funny, kind, and always a great conversation. You took this pasty white guy to the back-of-town bars and all it took was a “Nah, this breddah is cool” for the clientele to stop worrying I was a cop. You were the guy that persuaded me to go on television and you made it seem easy. Then you somehow persuaded me to wear your Jamaican wool vest on camera – even though I lack your ‘muscular medium’ build.
You taught me a lot about reporting for television and video editing and I hope I taught you a little about writing and storytelling as well. You are a good man and a deep thinker and a good conversation and I am sorry if you were shouldering burdens you never shared. Wherever you are, I hope you find peace and that your family can find peace with this too. I hope to see you again, my friend. There is more of this story to be told …
– James Whittaker
Andrel is a lightning rod through which the people could see – he says what we need to hear and which we feel and understand, but don’t have his power to articulate. He has been our young Cayman orator, he is our voice showing down the colonial mentality with his strength, vitality, vision and spirit. His is a great vision for a powerful and moving story. A beautiful story about Cayman.
There is always hope, there is always a new dawn.
The world needs to see and hear more from you, Andrel Harris.
– Simon Boxall
You are an inspiration. You’re just a few years older than me but I have always looked up to you with something like awe. I remember watching you talk about the Privy Council or parliamentary procedure and wondering how this young guy knows all this. It didn’t matter if you were on the street or in court, on television or in the paper, it seemed like you could do it all. The premier wouldn’t even let a press conference finish until we had heard from our man Andrel.
You broke through all the social hierachies – all the isms and the schisms that seem to hold others back – and made everything seem possible for me and a generation of other young Caymanians.
My favourite line you gave in an interview, you said that people have come up to you and said you need to make your dreads neater, and you just said, “Listen, when Boris Johnson learns how to use my comb, I’ll fix my hair.”
I thought, “Yes, this. This is the dude.”
– Philipp Richter
I’ve watched Andrel grow into a fearless and passionate journalist over the last almost 13 years – one who cares deeply about the stories he tells, and the people for whom he tells them. He has that unmistakable twinkle in his eye every time he catches wind of a good tip or chases down a lead.
He never hesitates to lend a hand to his teammates, no matter what department they come from. I love that about him – and his drive, his pride in the work. So proud of seeing all that you have accomplished, Andrel.
Thank you for the laughs and for the serious convos on how we can do our part to better our community. Oh, and for the sweet Jamaican apple, thank you.
– T.S.G.
Andrel, when we first met, you were a very young reporter for Cayman 27, with very short hair. You were interviewing me for a story you were doing on a non-profit I was involved with. I could not have been more nervous to be in front of the camera, but you assured me, with that smile of yours, that you would make it work and, of course, you did, and did it in subsequent interviews as well. I was so happy to have you join the Compass, giving us many opportunities for long talks about anything and everything. Your enthusiasm for learning seems boundless as does your good humour and all-around friendly, warm demeanour. But my favourite thing may be the ‘Andrel hugs’ I look forward to every day.
– Iris Stoner
YOU are missed my friend.
My heart holds onto hope that we’ll see you again someday – but until then, I just want to say thank you.
Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your realness. Thank you for being the kind of friend who shows up, no matter what.
When I needed someone to help tell my sister and nephew’s story, you didn’t hesitate for even a moment – you were there, ready to help. And when I found myself the victim of a significant theft, you stepped in without hesitation. You stood up for me. You got back every single dollar that man owed me. That’s the kind of friend you are – loyal, fierce and true.
I am so honored to know you and to call you, my friend. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
You are a man of integrity. A man of deep respect, compassion, and courage. You care about people. You stand up when others are taken advantage of, and you offer help when someone needs it most.
You always said, “You have media, use it.” So today, we use it – for you. To honour you. To say we see you, we appreciate you, and we’re better because of you.
With respect and gratitude always,
– Theresa Drummonds
I hope and pray for Andrel’s return, he is a class act, on and off air.
– Richy O’Carroll
It’s been a week since we last saw our beloved colleague, and though I miss his presence every day, I choose to reflect on the light and brilliance he brings into our lives.
Andrel, you are one of those rare people, sharp-minded, passionate and driven. Watching you balance work, life and law school was nothing short of inspiring. You didn’t just finish law school, you conquered it. Andrel, you had big plans, and it was always a joy to sit and talk about them. Whether it was practising law, being your first employee in your business or community impact.
I am smiling when I remember the epic staff domino competitions, and every single time, you left trying to beat me! (I can see you now rolling your eyes reading this, but facts are facts) . The friendly rivalry, the laughter, and your dramatic reactions to every loss. You may not have beaten me (yet!), but you made the game more fun.
Andrel, wherever you are right now, I hope you feel the strength of all of us rooting for you. We are holding onto your brilliance and the powerful impact you have made in our lives.
You’ve still got domino debts to pay, sir!
– Sheree Rankin
My first introduction to Andrel was when he joined the Cayman Compass team a number of years ago. He is one of those people who is immediately likeable, with a dry sense of humour and confident air.
A very natty dresser, I often teased him about having to use a shoehorn to get on his drainpipe pants each morning. Andrel is also such a quiet talker that I find myself leaning in to catch everything he says. I figured he was shy … which is why it was a revelation to see him in action at the COVID press conferences. No softballs did he lob at those in charge. In his signature measured tone, he comfortably asked the hard questions, proving why he is such a respected journalist in the local community.
They talk about ‘getting the scoop’ in the newspaper industry, and Andrel is the man who has done it, time and time again. Sources trust him, and as a result, he got the stories first.
He is an extraordinary colleague, a good friend, and the personification of a reporter who is driven by presenting accurate, authentic news to the public. He is simply one-of-a-kind.
– Vicki Wheaton
Andrel, wherever you are, know you are loved, admired and missed. As my friend, colleague and occasional dive buddy (locs care permitting), you’ve always made my days brighter with your humour, thoughtfulness and wry observations. Your drive, ambition and fearlessness, always mixed with a touch of self-deprecation, never fail to impress. Whether in your ‘chicken-legs’ socks for a charity drive or an immaculate three-piece suit for election coverage, you’re somehow always the coolest guy in the room, which now feels so much emptier.
– Norma Connolly
Andrel, I hope you’re still out there.
You are a good man, a kind and loving father, and a proud Caymanian.
As a journalist, your reporting is characterised by thoughtfulness. You write with empathy and assuredness. At times, in forensic detail, documenting the plight of Cubans fleeing their homes.
You are excellent on camera: calm, unflinching and dignified.
Your typos, I’m sure, were sometimes deliberately done to make sure we were paying attention … Dennis frequently became Denise at your hand. It always made me smile. Sometimes in exasperation.
We worked overnights during hurricanes. You, in your yellow mac. Even inside the building.
I hope that in time we will all be able to make sense of what has happened.
– Caroline James
Andrel would always leave for the day with an “I’m peacing out.”
I sit here in grief waiting to hear those words from him again.
I hope you are at peace, my friend. Kind and calm was your head and heart. It has been an honour to learn from you, and to laugh with you. Godspeed.
– Stephanie Ditta
_________
I only had the privilege of working with Andrel for a few short months since the TV station launched, but he made a huge impact on me, not least by being responsible for getting me on the evening news.
I’d written a story about government finances and Andrel wanted to do a three-part package about it for TV, but, while he could have presented the whole thing himself, in typically generous style he insisted that I went on camera instead.
“It’s your story, you should be the one to say it,” he said. “It wouldn’t feel right otherwise.”
This meant recording three nerve-wracking pieces to camera, two outside the Government Administration Building and one outside the hospital. We would pile into his car, “Sorry, it smells like the gym in here,” he’d apologise, and then head off to whatever location he’d selected, Andrel driving while I tried to memorise the lines he’d expertly dashed out on his computer just minutes before.
A newcomer to the art of talking on camera, it would often take several takes for me to get it right, but Andrel had endless reserves of patience and was a calming and experienced presence behind the camera.
Filming outside GAB, Andrel went for a long shot from all the way across the road, and the traffic even stopped for us so as not to ruin the take – a kind gesture but meant even more pressure to get it right first time, but with Andrel in charge I felt anything was possible.
He was generous with his praise – I have WhatsApps from him saying things like “Nothing but positive reviews” and “You’re a natural” which I doubted were true but really boosted my confidence, and led to me doing my longest piece yet to camera for him, about inadequate cycle lanes on Shamrock Road.
After a break in the UK after the election, I was looking forward to the next thing he would have in store for me – I’m so sad that our filming adventures together were cut so tragically short and I’m devastated for my colleagues who had known him for far longer.
– Sarah Bridge
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