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"Cow neva know de use ah him tail till it get cut off" states the Jamaican proverb, which translates into "one never realizes the value of something until they lose it." This proverb proved true a few weeks ago, when many who religiously listened to WTPS 1080 am, every Saturday was faced with new programming, stemming from the sale of the station. For over 25 years, WVCG 1080 AM was the dependable home of Caribbean radio programs. Initiated by Arnold "Trinidad" Henry - who was sales manager back in 1982 - the 50,000 watt station soon carved a niche out for itself in presenting quality programs with an appeal to the diverse Caribbean community, especially those living south in South Miami-Dade County. Despite several changes in ownership, Caribbean Saturdays prevailed, beating the odds and solidifying its position as a strong source of information and entertainment for Caribbean peoples in South Florida.
Fortunately, we do have major interest in not one, but two radio stations in South Florida. Both WAVS 1170 AM, and Mystik 1400 are said to be Caribbean-owned. WAVS by the business savvy Haitian-American Cherubin brothers and Mystik 1400 by Jamaican-American Carl Nelson. Both stations play a vital role in keeping the community informed and motivated despite their limited reach south of Flagler Street. Unquestionably, there is the need for us to be masters of our own communications media by owning a strong electronic medium. As Jerry Nagee stated, "without a radio and television station, we realize that we simply cannot mobilize our people, nor can we have a forum for the exchange of ideas, for dialogue, nor for a show of solidarity that is translated into political power." While we have several publications, it is the immediate nature of radio and television that can mobilize the community upon a minute's notice, which will empower us with the necessary political power. While the thought of owning a radio or television station is admirable, I would suggest that we begin to look to the future and capitalize upon the emergence of new technology, to carve out a niche in the rapidly changing communications landscape. With the rapid development of Digital Radio, internet radio, podcasting and other avenues soon to be made public and commercialized it is more in the interest of the Caribbean community to look to the future instead of holding on to relics such as AM and FM radio stations. Send comments to Eddy at
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Eddy Edwards is host of Caribbean Riddims aired on WKAT 1360 am every Saturday 3-6 pm. Visit his website at www.caribbeanriddims.com |
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