Today, as a nation and a people we are all saddened to hear to hear of the passing of Whaldama “Ras B” Brooks, a veritable icon on Anguilla’s media and broadcasting landscape.
As Minister with responsibility for Information and Broadcasting, I would like to use this medium to express condolences to his family and relatives.
For well over three decades, Ras B worked at the Department of Information and Broadcasting Radio Anguilla as a veteran journalist, news presenter and sports broadcaster and commentator, and was a familiar voice on the station’s morning and evening newscasts and other programmes.
In later years, this contribution continued on Heartbeat Radio and then Upbeat Radio where he continued to present the newscasts up until his passing. Indeed, we can all agree that Ras B was unswerving in his pursuit of providing his listeners with truthful, objective, comprehensive, and intelligent accounts of the issues of the day – local, regional and international, thereby serving the public’s right to be fully informed.
On Anguilla Day, May 30th, 2010, Ras B and Iwandai I were awarded with the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for their invaluable contribution to journalism and social commentary.
I quote from the printed bio of Ras B and Iwandai I as they accepted the medal and certificate at the 2010 Anguilla Day Parade – “They have made a name for themselves in Anguilla and are well known throughout the region – Ras B has distinguished himself as a sports commentator and journalist and Iwandai as a back up broadcaster and commentator,” End of quote.
As a mark of respect, and in keeping with a recent decision by Executive Council in relation to the passing of persons awarded with the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for Social Development, all government flags will be flown at Half Mast on the day preceding the funeral and on the day of the funeral.
To the family and relatives of this proud Anguillian, we pray God’s guidance during this very difficult period.
I close with these words of comfort taken from a Sanskrit Proverb
Look to this day,
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision,
But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.