Remembering The Life of Nathalee Martinborough

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Veteran Journalist Nathalee Martinborough will be laid to rest in Grand Bahama tomorrow. The news of her death came as a shock as she was the voice many heard across the airwaves for decades.

Nathalee Martinborough was born on the 22 of May, 1968 in Roses, Long Island. From the tender age of ten, she told her mother that she wanted to become a journalist.

She loved reading and writing. Growing up she and her siblings would gather around the radio and it was Martinborough who would predict who would anchor the daily newscast, national news, world news and sports.

During that time that she became very fond of the talent of former ZNS Veteran Broadcaster, the late Lionel Dorsett.

Possessing such a deep love for reading and writing, on Saturdays during ZNS radio program “Family islands, you ask for it”, Martinborough would write down the words of the songs for her siblings for them to learn.

She graduated from the MGM Major High School in 1986 wasting no time to pursue her journalism career. That September she moved to New Providence to attend the College of The Bahamas.

She completed her degree and moved to Grand Bahama.

Martinborough started her career at ZNS Northern Service in the community announcements department in 1989. It is said that the late Obie Wilchcombe was instrumental in moving her into the newsroom as reporter.

In 1996 she took part in a three-week program with CNN. Martinborough was so impressive that the multi-national news agency was willing to hire her but she declined as she wanted to return home to contribute to her country.

She also took part in CNN’s international professional program in the 90’s and produced many international world reports.

It was at that moment her career took off and she discovered her love for producing.

She had a heart and which made her accessible to viewers. If they called, she would always answer and tried to assist the best she can.

Martinbourough covered many big stories over the last three decades from government, international leaders and Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to The Bahamas but it was a major explosion at stat-oil where she conquered her fears and climbed a tank doing whatever it took, to get the story.

She moved up through the ranks and became a producer, deputy director of news and her final post, assistant general manager of news and radio at ZNS Northern Service.

Although sometimes quiet in her approach, she was a mother, role model and mentor to many. Her death, still shocking for some.

Martinborough’s funeral service will be held on Saturday October 14th at 11 am in Freeport at the Unity of Christ Church.