Pastor calls on ‘big fish’ to support small enterprises
VON Radio marks 20 years of broadcasting at a Church Service

By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Owner of VON, Merritt Herbert based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

“There are many local businesses going out of business. Bigger fish eat smaller fish for food. Big businesses and small businesses should co-exist,” Pastor Maynard told worshippers Sunday at a service held in his church to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Voice of Nevis (VON) Radio Station.

The owner of the radio station, Nevisian-born Meritt Herbert who is based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands; the station’s Manager, Evered ‘Webbo’ Herbert; staff; friends; and supporters of the station were present at the service.

The service was broadcast live on VON Radio and Pastor Maynard decried the rate at which small businesses are closing down in the Federation and called on large businesses to support the small and emerging ones.

Manager  and host of Let’s Talk, Everend ‘Webbo’ Herbert

“We must not remain small. In 1988, VON was born and it has grown into adulthood. At the time VON was established, there was very little in Nevis to talk about. Mr. Herbert has sacrificed a great deal. It has facilitated the Gospel to go out beyond the four walls,” he said.

He said VON has been up and running despite the challenges. “It had to be the hand of God due to its inspiring programmes. 

VON radio has made a name for itself. VON needs to be rewarded and the road leading to the station paved because important personalities are driven to VON,” Pastor Maynard said.

He also called on the Nevis Island Administration to honour VON Radio’s Manager for his excellence service in broadcasting. 

He said flowers should be given to personalities when they are strong and Tim Russell should have gotten his while alive.  Pastor Maynard also said VON Radio had been of great assistance to listeners during the hurricane periods.

“Let us go on to perfection inspite of any difficulties,” Pastor Maynard said, and asked church members to take example from the radio station’s management for not publicly exposing their challenges and difficulties.

He decried the high cost of electricity due to the fuel surcharge and called on Nevlec to give concessions to non-profits, such as churches and broadcasting stations due to the community services they offer.

Herbert, who also owns ZBVI, spoke highly of Evered Herbert: “He had been the Manager since its inception and has done a great job. It was difficult for him at the beginning because he was not in radio, but he learnt fast. He handled the station in  a business manner which led to its growth, and he also hired staff and trained them.”

“At the time we established VON, we needed to offer a facility that would respond to emergencies and disasters,” he said. 

Herbert said the future of broadcasting in the Caribbean was bright, “people are using radio more than ever”.