Mr Renford Kelsick is perhaps the first person to retire from the public or private sector in Anguilla with a Service of Thanksgiving rather than a lavish party. It is an indication of the humility and commitment of the officially-retired Radio Anguilla Announcer, whose Hymns at Sunrise has been a source of comfort and inspiration to early risers for many years.
Kelsick, a staunch Anglican, conversant with the ancient and modern hymns of the faith, was the recipient of various tributes at St Mary’s Parish Church on Sunday evening, July 27. But his official retirement from Radio Anguilla, and the Public Service, is yet to be realised in practical terms as he will continue to serve until a suitable replacement is found.
That, in itself, is a compliment to him. And, as indicated during the service, it is a welcome arrangement to his many friends, co-workers and relatives who were in attendance, including the Anglican clergy who, through the Right Rev Errol Brooks, praised Kelsick’s ministry of sacred and uplifting music.
Farrah Banks, Director of Radio Anguilla, said in part: “Mr Kelsick’s relationship with Radio Anguilla began over thirty years ago in 1981. His time with Radio Anguilla has been off and on and he was not fully established as a civil servant until decades after. Despite this, his distinguished career has made him a household name in Anguilla and a trusted voice on the airways. During his time at Radio Anguilla, Mr Kelsick remained true to the initial training he received and was always professional in the conduct of his duties…He woke up the nation every morning with sacred and popular hymns that were always reflective of the times and the Christian calendar. People looked forward each morning for hello from Mr K.”
Keithstone Greaves, Radio Anguilla’s Programme Manager, said Kelsick’s attributes of loyalty, dedication, dependability and timeliness, as articulated by Ms Banks were, in his view, hallmarks of the long-serving Announcer. “He is not going anywhere, and when we need him I will be the first to say let’s have him back,” the Programme Manager added.
Mr Kenneth Hodge, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, spoke about Kelsick’s commitment and understanding of the high ideals of radio broadcasting and service to the public. He was appreciative of the fact that rather than being “at a restaurant making merry”, Kelsick chose to go to his church to offer thanks to God. “To me, that is more significant than sipping a glass of wine,” he stressed. Mr Hodge presented a glass plaque to Mr Kelsick on behalf of the Ministry. Kelsick also received a Certificate of Appreciation from Ms Aurjul Wilson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, on behalf of the Public Service.
Other tributes were delivered by Mr George Ramou (musician and singer); Michael ‘Dumpa’ Martin, (musician); Mrs Janice Hodge and Nurse Nanton (two of Kelsick’s mailbox friends); Mrs Elaine Roberts; and Mrs Shanelle Hodge-Charles and Mr Ivor Hodge (Announcer and Chief Information Officer at Radio Anguilla, respectively).
Replying, Mr Kelsick, who has also been a newsreader, drawing from his own example, offered this timely advice: “When you are working for someone, be on time because you are paid for time. Don’t just get a job because it is a job. Do it and put your all in it.”
He also had these words for all of his mailbox friends and others: “It gives me great joy to know that all these folks enjoyed the programme Hymns at Sunrise with Mr K. Thanks to the Management of Radio Anguilla and the Government on a whole. It was an opportunity for me to serve you.”
Bishop Errol Brooks, whose own bass singing on some portions of Hymns at Sunrise has been widely admired, said during his sermon: “You may wonder why today’s service – a strange affair? Why a service and not a party to mark Kelsick’s retirement? I believe the management and staff at Radio Anguilla realised that it is important to give God pre-eminence – to put first things first. We claim that we are a Christian community. Our first love must be the worship and honour of Almighty God…
“Thank God for the ministry of Mr Kelsick and Radio Anguilla. We ask God’s continued blessing on him as he has entered into another chapter of his life. I am sure that from the tributes you have heard, all of us here would agree that if there is anything that stands out during Mr K’s tenure at Radio Anguilla is the programme Hymns at Sunrise. The playing of those wonderful hymns of the faith, in season, and setting the tone for the day, brings solace to our heart. It is as though Mr Kelsick shared the admonition of St Paul when he wrote ‘speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs – sing and make music in your heart for the Lord.’”
Bishop Brooks continued: “A home environment can come alive with good music. We don’t always have to be talking…We can be uplifted by the sounds and lyrics of good music. Medical science has actually shown that cheerful music can lift the spirit from depression …It can lower blood pressure and stimulate the mind.
“But be careful. Pay attention to the music that is being played in the home. I may be regarded as ‘old school’ but I can’t ‘make head or tail’ of some of the head-throbbing sounds that shake the ground under our feet from the car stereos as they go by. Some of the lyrics are far from uplifting – focused mainly on vulgarity. The wrong kind of music can lower our children’s threshold of resistance; it can incite evil and even immoral activities. On the other hand, there is music that lifts the soul; and inspires us.”
The Bishop added: “The devil flees at the sound of good, uplifting music [like] In my heart, there rings a melody. How can you be unhappy? How can you be angry when that song is ringing in your heart? Mr K, thank you for encouraging us to put good music in our homes; to listen to uplifting and edifying music. I trust that such a programme, as Hymns at Sunrise, will continue to find a place on Radio Anguilla’s roster.”
