Cora Rickards

From Nurse to Floor Manager - A Story of Quiet Excellence

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In the history of Jamaican television broadcasting, a name resonates with a particular reverence: Cora Rickards. She was the standard by which the industry measured her colleagues; she was more than just a facilitator; she was the vital link between the director and the studio, the anchor of a production's success.

Cora, a woman of quiet strength, began her journey at JBC after residing in the UK.

She had a career as a nurse in the UK and then decided to return home to Jamaica. That decision saw her getting training as a floor manager. She returned to Jamaica in 1969 and joined the JBC team. Cora, a woman of quiet strength and unwavering professionalism, served as the floor manager at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation from 1969 to 1997.

Her presence in Studio National (formerly Studio B) was a constant. She worked on both live and recorded programs. Her work was a testament to her abilities; programs like the election coverage, 'Where It's At', 'Schools Challenge Quiz ', and television dramas such as 'Lime Tree Lane' and 'Oliver at Large' are just a few of the many productions she helped bring to life.

Cora Rickards. Photo by: Unknown

Cora, a nurse by trade, brought her expertise and calm demeanor to the role of floor manager, coordinating studio activities and ensuring the smooth running of the show. Her experience as a nurse in the UK equipped her with the people skills and calm demeanor required to work with a diverse team of talents. With her headphones on, she took directions from the director in the technical booth. Cora's raised open palm was the signal to the studio floor: a call for silence, focus, and readiness. 'Hush and focus time' became the standard. It was 'the studio floor according to Cora’s law.'

What set her apart was her remarkable ability to foster an environment of discipline and respect. Punctuality, solutions-orientedness, and a firm commitment to purpose were her hallmarks. Despite her calm demeanor, she ran the studio floor with precision, managing both the internal technical teams and the external talents and audiences. Her ability to anticipate needs and solve problems on the fly was legendary. As a pacifist, she often had to de-escalate tensions in the studio. Without her intervention, these conflicts could have easily jeopardized the success of a production. Her non-confrontational approach, stemming from her practice of the Baha’i Faith, was a core part of her identity.

Cora Rickards embodied the heart of Jamaican television production, a testament to the importance of calm leadership, unwavering dedication, and the quiet power of a Floor Director who kept the studio running smoothly, show after show, program after program.