Glenn Jackson Was an Important Public Figure

EDITOR: I join with the thousands of citizens to mourn the passing of Glenn Ian Jackson. I am still trying to come to grips with this tragedy. I also wish to take this opportunity to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and colleagues. {{more}}

I have known Mr. Glenn Jackson for quite some time. The first time I realized that this man had something to offer to this blessed land is when I heard him interviewing Mr. MacCauley Peters, former Chief Education Officer, on his Morning Show program on NBC Radio 705. I went to the Radio station to look for him; he said to me, ‘One day you would be like me, you just have to study and always respect persons in authority, but ask them any question if you think they have answers’.

Glenn graduated from the St. Vincent Grammar School in 1979. After leaving school, he taught for a brief period at the Richmond Hill Government School. Sometime in 1980 he joined the staff at Radio 705 as an announcer. Glenn quickly embraced this opportunity and gave it everything he had. As a young announcer, Glenn was fresh, innovative and above all enthusiastic. After a few years, he was able to stand shoulder to shoulder with radio giants such as Randy D, E.B. John, Cap Stephens and Don Bobb. In 1992, Glen was given the opportunity to pursue a diploma in mass communication at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. When he returned to St. Vincent he was re-energized with fresh ideas and new perspectives regarding radio and was prepared to re-invent and re-invigorate broadcasting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Shortly thereafter, Glenn began to use his role as the host of the ever-popular ‘Come Alive’ program to comment on National issues.

Glenn who was Press Secretary and Personal Aide to the Prime Minister has contributed significantly to the new spirit of social activism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He single-handedly revolutionized the role of radio in the country. The ground breaking and ever-popular radio program ‘Shake-Up’ was created and nurtured by Glenn Jackson. It was on this program that Glenn was able to guide the populace through a variety of issues, which saw the demise of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and victory for the Unity Labour Party (ULP) – they were able to form government in 2001.

I think that he has been an important public figure for a long time now. I simply found him to be an interesting actor on the socio-political stage in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He was an educator, entertainer, nation builder, leading pioneer in radio etc. In my view, he was a true Vincentian.

Glen visited me every Sunday morning and we used the opportunity to discuss newspapers, the New Times program, Bassy column, ‘Letter from the Ground’ etc.; he always wanted to find out who Candy Edwards was, but never did. He saw Senator Leacock as a very important man in Parliament; Cleve Scott, Jules Williams, Sylvia Sutherland, Teddy James, Challis Porter just to name a few he considered as his very good friends.

Glenn was no angel, none of us are, yet he is loved by many, even his political opponents. I pray that the persons(s) responsible for his crime may be found and brought to justice and that his soul may rest in peace.

I will always be your best friend.



Kingsley DeFreitas