Ken Richards dies

Ken Richards was a constant in this increasingly partisan media landscape: perpetually professional, hardworking, fair and free from fear.

Easily, Richards (or just Ken to almost everyone) was Dominica's journalism icon. He died on 21 May 2023 at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. He would have been 68 on 15 June 2023.

At the news of his death after ailing for a few months, tributes from press professionals around the region flooded in.

"Ken was a Caribbean man who believed in inclusion, equity, and justice for all," said Clive Bacchus, who recruited Ken to WINN FM in St. Kitts. "Grassroots people were drawn to him. The powerful knew that he would press for answers to questions and would not yield to avoidance, misinformation, disinformation, or inarticulate responses".

During his journalism career, Ken worked at the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS Radio), Radio Antilles, the BBC Caribbean Service, Antigua's Observer Radio, WINN FM 98.9 in St. Kitts, Government Information Service- Dominica, the Sun Newspaper, Voice of the Islands and Dominica News Online.

"Ken was the consummate professional who took his work extremely seriously," said Peter Richards. "A regionalist at heart".

"I'm shocked beyond measure," said Neil Nunes, Richards's colleague at the BBC. "I could regale you for days on his editorial integrity and rigour and his well-known attention to details. Or how fearless he was in holding the powerful to account, without fear or favour".

"This brother, Ken Richards, was a unique human," said Orin Gordon, who worked with Ken at BBC. "One of the most honest and straightforward guys I've ever known".

"The Caribbean lost one of its most humble servants today," said Ben Meade, formerly of the BBC. "Ken Richards was a friend and champion of the Caribbean and its people."

"I heard the news today. Oh boy!" said Julian Rogers of Observer Radio in Antigua. "Ken Richards, a true titan of journalism, a gifted composer, and a passionate musician, has left an indelible mark on our hearts and the realms of media and music".

"Rest in peace, dear Ken Richards. Your light will forever illuminate our paths", Rogers added.