To our beloved family at the Karibbean Vibez Radio Network (KVRN) and beyond,
It is with profound respect, admiration, and heartfelt gratitude that we pause to honour the life and legacy of Barrington “Barry G” Gordon — a man whose voice, knowledge and charisma didn’t just fill the air-waves of Jamaica, but inspired an entire generation of broadcasters, DJs and media voices.
His Voice — A Nation Listened
From the moment Barry G’s rich, warm tone echoed across the speakers of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) in 1975, listeners knew they were not just hearing a radio show — they were experiencing a connection.
For one little boy from St. Thomas, Jamaica — a dreamer named Chris Whilby — the magic of Barry G’s voice was transformational. It was the first time he heard a broadcaster speak with such authority, such rhythm, such love for his culture and his listeners. Chris didn’t merely hear music or words — he heard possibility.
Barry G’s intellect showed in his commentary, his questions, his ability to hold the listener’s attention while educating, entertaining and reflecting Jamaica’s heartbeat. As one of his mentors put it:
> “Young people who want to enter into the business … can take a page from Barry’s book on how to be at the top of your game and for years, by being professional.”
His Knowledge — Lighting the Path
Barry G understood that radio was not just about playing songs or talking into a mic — it was about culture, identity, dialect, history. He drew from the roots of Jamaican society, the youth on the street, the legends in dancehall and reggae, the everyday listener who trusted him.
In doing so, he educated as he broadcast, mentored as he led, and planted seeds of passion. That little boy Chris Whilby, listening wide-eyed, decided — I want to be like that. I want to have that voice. I want to tell stories. I want to carry culture. And so he started down a path that traced directly back to Barry G.
His Charisma — Generations Created
What charisma! Barry G didn’t stand behind his mic — he moved out into the culture. He was the first broadcaster to leave the radio studio and tour Jamaica, emcee events, engage the crowd, connect in person.
His afternoon show became legendary. His listener base numbered in the millions.
And from that charisma sprang a whole ecosystem: young broadcasters, DJs, producers, media creators — many of whom grew up hearing him, modelling themselves after him, building on the foundation he laid. Chris Whilby became one of them. And through Chris, countless others have found the airwaves.
A Life of Service
Barry G’s career spanned decades — from humble beginnings to national influence, and finally to a legacy beyond broadcasting. Let us honour the chronology of his major roles:
Career timeline of Barrington “Barry G” Gordon
Year Station / Role Notes
1975 Joined Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) as producer and vox-pop features His entry into radio broadcasting.
Late 1970s Hosted evening programme “Turntable Time” at JBC Rising popularity.
1980s Took over the coveted afternoon slot at JBC Became a household voice.
1987 Moved to RJR Communications Group (RJR) One of the greatest radio-land coups.
1989–2001 Returned to JBC for a period Continued influence in broadcasting.
2000s Stints at Power 106 FM, Hot 102 FM, Klas FM Broadening his reach across stations.
2010 Awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer) for services to broadcasting National recognition.
2010s Joined Montego Bay-based Mello FM; hosted afternoon slot Reinforcing his legacy in regional radio.
2020 Stepped back from Mello FM to focus on training younger broadcasters and diaspora engagement Pivoting to mentorship.
His Memory Lives On — At KVRN and Beyond
Barry G’s memory will live on in infamy — not in the sense of notoriety, but in the sense of unforgettable impact. He lit a torch for those who came after him.
And here at KVRN, we pledge to carry the torch that he passed on. From the little boy in St. Thomas, Jamaica to broadcasters around the world, the ripple effect of his voice continues. We will honour his standard of professionalism, his commitment to culture, his mentorship, his charisma — and we will amplify it.
For Chris Whilby — And Every Youth
To Chris Whilby, that little boy who heard one man and envisioned a future: you are proof of Barry G’s enduring gift. The fact that you fell in love with radio, that you entered the field because his voice, his intellect and his charisma reached you — is testament to the man’s power.
And so to every young broadcaster, every voice behind a mic, every DJ spinning the next record — remember Barry G. Let his story inspire you. Let his standards motivate you. Let his legacy empower you.
Final Words
Barry G — Thank you. For the airwaves you commandeered, for the culture you championed, for the listeners you held, for the broadcasters you nurtured. Your voice still echoes. Your knowledge still guides. Your charisma still ignites.
At the Karibbean Vibez Radio Network, we salute you. We honour you. We carry on your work. The airwaves will never be the same — and we are proud to be part of your story.
Long live the King of Afternoon Radio. Long live Barry G.
With deepest respect and gratitude,
KVRN – Karibbean Vibez Radio Network