ROLAND HYDE
By: C. Harrison/Editor | Saturday, July19, 2025 | 4:13 PM
New York, NY… He is one of the most cherished and well-known Photographer, to come out of Jamaica West Indies, land of wood and water. Roland Hyde, was the go-to camera man. No matter the function or event one name always seems to be at the top of the list Roland’s. Everyone knew him and everyone wanted him to be their photographer.
In a rare interview recently, I sat down with Roland for a synopsis. Allowing him to talk freely, he revealed that he was reared in Kingston, where he was born the year 1951, in the midst of a tropical cyclone, a powerful hurricane that ravaged Jamaica. Whether or not he was given his name because of the titled hurricane he never said but, Roland’s name is significant to Jamaica the Island. Roland’s given first name means ‘fame land’ and his last name Hyde means ‘measurement of land’…60-100 acres and usually is associated to a hill or stream. Jamaica is makeup of Land Wood and Water. Putting this picture in ones thought photography would be his glory (calling).
Hyde further explained that his father and two brothers worked in Cuba at Guantanamo Bay, doing farm work, while his mother worked as a Nurses Aid.
Young Hyde’s quest and taste for photography was thrusted upon him at the age of 9, he said when he received a camera from his Pastor. His career seemed cemented in history from there. He would go on to become a premiere photographer in Jamaica.
Later, migrating to the United States in the mid 1980s Hyde continued his quest has a cameraman, he became a staple in the Caribbean community, as well as the Black community, as the camera person to have at your events; and while perfecting his skills doing media/music entertainment shoots, he was also working for the Jamaican Gleaner News Paper, in New York and the Consulate in New York. Furthermore, ever looking to elevate himself Hyde saw a future career in launching models and dived right in launching modeling careers for dozens of aspiring young models, who moved on to become established models in their own rights. Finding his footing Hyde eventually open and own his very own photography studio.
To embossed Hyde into his embodiment literally, when asked, Team Jamaica Bickle’s CEO, Irwin Clare summed it up best when said, “Roland is one of the finest photographers’ of Jamaica. He is committed to sharing his work and to make some one look good with his work.” “His life is an open book.”
Others commenting voiced on Hyde gave raised to the fact that he was always there for them and their occasions and is a commendable guy.
Moreover, Winston Rodney, a good friend and fellow photographer said of Hyde, “He could always take a bad situation and turned it into a happy one.”
Recently, Hyde was given The CASONY Impact Award, for promoting Culture, Rooted in Reggae Music. Hyde no stranger to receiving awards over the years, have gotten awards from Kings Theatre, in Brooklyn for Contribution to Caribbean Photography and again, another from York College in Queens, NY. His work speaks for itself.
Conversely, Hyde continuing our talks gave me the short version on how he knew the Minister of Tourism. Edmond Barlett and the disagreement between Barlett and the Church. According to Hyde, “Barlett, and himself grew up in the same church, The New Testament Church of God. He said that the fight between the Church and Barlett, was over the fact that the Church wanted at the time, to hire White Pastors only and Bishops from America to preach in all of the churches. Barlett did not agree with that and thereafter, the Church ousted him.” “Hyde said the Church leaders thereafter, voted on the method of how they acquired Pastors & Bishops and agreed with Barlett that it was wrong.” “Ever since then, Black Pastors were the ones presiding over the Church.” Barlett, he said went on to run for Public Service and that he has never loss an election since 1980.
Todate, Barlett is still the Minister of Tourism. Hyde, naturally a bit older is currently blind but is in good spirit with a sharp memory.
