The Anguillian community is rife with tributes to the late Whaldama (Ras B) Brooks, a foremost radio journalist, sports commentator and multifaceted personality. His all but sudden passing at the Princess Alexandra Hospital on Saturday, June 4, 2016, sent shockwaves across the island which, in his lifetime, was pleasantly subjected and receptive to his powerful, influential and golden reporting voice.
The tributes to Ras B – a humble, yet well-accomplished broadcaster, in his early sixties, and with an expertise for skilful communication and ‘hardball’ interviewing – began with messages from Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, and Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Minister for Home Affairs with responsibility for Information and Broadcasting. The tributes are still being continued by various persons across the island.
A noted private person with an outgoing, passionate and endearing demeanour, Ras B lived a full life steeped in the best traditions and culture of Anguilla, as well as the Rastafarian religion and cultural way of life. Apart from radio broadcasting, Ras B was a household name, having also served professionally as a linguist when he taught Spanish and French at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School and performed language interpretations at court sittings and for the business community. A graduate of the College of the Virgin Islands (now the University of the Virgin Islands), he was also fortified with a good knowledge of the culture and roots of languages as was so often manifested in his news-reading and pronunciation skills. As a broadcaster and journalist, his work extended beyond Anguilla to such news organisations, like regional radio stations and the international services of the BBC, Voice of America and United Press International, over the years.
His multifaceted talents also included a keen flute and drum musician and, as previously indicated, an avid sportsman and commentator particularly with respect to cricket and football. In addition to all of his many engagements, he found much time for his love for farming in The Valley area, principally with his friend and fellow farmer, Ras Elijah. He attracted around him a large circle of friends and admirers who now mourn his loss. Chiefly among them is his devoted friend and radio colleague, Iwandai Gumbs. Together, they have been a remarkable, dedicated and popular team, for many years, serving at Radio Anguilla, Heart Beat Radio and now Upbeat Radio – the latter two their own management stations. Ras B was so committed to his love for radio work, and the information of his listeners, that, despite the circumstances of any ailment he might have been experiencing at the time, last week, he managed to read, for the last time his prepared news – a day or two before he went down. He will be greatly and sadly missed.
It is understood that his funeral, for which plans are now being made, is scheduled for next month – the actual date of which will be announced later. As a mark of respect, the Ministry of Home Affairs, of the Government of Anguilla, has announced that the official flag of Anguilla will be flown at half-mast on the day preceding, and the actual day of, his funeral. Ras B was a recipient of the Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate on Anguilla Day 2010 for his outstanding contribution to Social Development.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Oreda Brooks (formerly Carter), three sons, two brothers, and various extended family members and, of course, a long list of friends, brethren, and Iwandai. To all of them, The Anguillian offers heartfelt condolences.
