Dominican broadcaster Ken Richards has died

(By Laura Dowrich-Phillips) Richards, a well-known broadcaster in the region has died. Richards, 67, passed away at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital on Sunday.

A former BBC broadcaster, Richards was said to be ailing for some time and was hospitalised a few weeks ago.

Apart from the BBC, Richards worked at WINN FM Radio, St Kitts, Radio Antilles, Observer in Antigua and the Government Information Service in Dominica, among others.

Many of his media colleagues from around the region remembered Richards with posts on Facebook.

Orin Gordon, his former BBC colleague said: “This brother, Ken Richards, was a unique human. One of the most honest and straightforward guys I’ve ever known. Unafraid to speak the truth to power. Did the most thorough and diligent prep for interviews of any journalist I worked with. We spent a good few years as a producer and presenter team at BBC Caribbean, alternating roles day by day. If you didn’t understand Caribbean picong/tantalise, you’d think as you entered the door of that small room in the little-known East Wing of Bush House in London, that we didn’t like each other. Far from it. When I landed a good verbal jab, he’d bellow that distinctive laugh of his. Loved his music and his carnival, and was great company in these settings. I’d tell him to keep that damn belly under wraps.”

Julian Rogers, a well-known Caribbean journalist and Editor described him as a trailblazer.

“Ken Richards was a trailblazer, fearlessly traversing the worlds of journalism and music and leaving an indelible impact in both arenas. His unwavering commitment to reporting the news and current affairs of the Caribbean region was unparalleled. Through his work with esteemed organisations such as the now-defunct Caribbean World Service of the BBC, Radio Antilles in Montserrat, the Observer in Antigua, and WINN FM in St. Kitts and Nevis, Ken became a trusted voice, delivering accurate and insightful stories to audiences near and far,” he wrote.

“Returning to his homeland, Ken embraced the ever-evolving media landscape with the enthusiasm of a visionary. His creation of OSAR, Old Street Audacity Radio, demonstrated his passion for sharing the news and his love for music, Caribbean history, entertainment, and comedy. With his tireless efforts, Ken bridged gaps and brought people together through the power of his words and melodies,” he added. (Loop News)