Francis Winston Springer: Radio and Television Broadcaster
By Sir Calixte George
“He was my friend, warm, faithful, loyal and just to me.” Winston Springer was a derivative of a typical rural-urban interaction of Saint Lucian families. His mother was from the Dennery village with primary origins in Soufriere, while his father came from Anglophone Barbadian urbanized folk. Thus, from an early age he was exposed to the native French Creole Patios on his yearly holidays to Dennery and at the same time, being drilled in the niceties of the English Language in Royal Readers by his English-speaking father. This background was to have positive effects when later in life he chose a career in Communications and Journalism.
After his primary school education, he entered the hallowed doors of the pre-eminent secondary school of the day – St. Mary’s College. It was at that institution that he was molded into a man of character, having participated fully in both the academic and extra-curricular activities that the school offered at the time. He therefore metamorphosed into a highly disciplined, loyal, forward-looking individual with an abiding thirst for knowledge á la Arthur Lewis. His special love were History and English Literature, particularly the writings of the most famous bard – William Shakespeare – which he often quoted in normal conversation. As a matter of fact, he was considered by his many friends as a supreme conversationalist and would hold his own firmly, objectively and convincingly on a wide range of subjects.
On leaving his beloved St. Mary’s, he began his working life as an Agricultural Information Officer with the Department of Agriculture Communications Unit, the first of its kind in the Saint Lucia Civil Service. At the time, there was only one Public Relations Office at the Office of the Minister with responsibility for Broadcasting, serving the whole of the Public Service. This came about when Cyril Matthew, then Director of Agriculture and I as Senior Research Officer were desirous of speeding up the diversification of the Agricultural Sector by the transfer of new technologies to ordinary farmers. We recruited a number of St. Mary’s College students and introduced them to Agricultural Science at the Union Agricultural College and found that among the lot, Springer had the natural ability in transferring technical knowledge into forms suitable for digestion by farmers. Today, Departments of Government have a platform of Communications Units and although they are assisted by modern technological gadgets, their level of effectiveness in transmitting relevant information to the public is questionable. Winston was soon absorbed by Radio Saint Lucia and worked under the tutelage of Winston Hinkson and Margaret Robert-Steele. He was one of the early broadcasters who opened the hearts of Saint Lucians with programmes such as, “Golden Memories”. He was provided a scholarship to study Broadcasting at the world renowned British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in London and was so outstanding in his performance that the British authorities offered him a position there. He graciously declined the offer as he preferred to return to his native land to assist in the development of Information and Broadcasting. After serving Radio Saint Lucia for about a decade or so, he was pulled away by Radio Antilles which offered attractive conditions. From his perch in Montserrat, he served a much wider Caribbean audience and become a highly respected regional radio broadcaster. From Montserrat he was sent home to cover the political upheaval in the form of the leadership struggle during the 1980/82 period. This led to the production of the documentary entitled, “Country in Crisis” which he coproduced with his brother Cletus and which won an M&C Fine Arts award.
When the political atmosphere calmed down after the post 1982 Labour debacle, he returned home and was General Manager of Radio Saint Lucia. During this period, he produced several special features, interviews, programmes and documentaries on a wide range of local issues. Later on, he was contracted as Director of Information Services. He also served as Vice President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) where he interacted with regional broadcasting greats such as Julian Rodgers of Barbados, Vic Fernandes of Barbados (and Saint Lucia), Ken Richards of Dominica, David Ellis of Barbados and Jones Madeira of Trinidad and Tobago. At the international level, Winston served as correspondent for Associated Press, United Press International, British Broadcasting Corporation and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, (CBC). In the case of the CBC, an attachment was arranged and upon its completion, he was offered a permanent position which he also rejected. In later years, Winston worked as an Independent Freelance Narrator/ Commentator and produced a number of interviews of high-ranking international icons such as Sir John Compton, Sir Vaughan Lewis and George Oldum. He had persistently sought an interview with me but I had avoided him for a specific reason which I had explained to him and with which he confided with Cletus. In the main, he was an Information Radio and Television Broadcaster, a Communication Specialist and Consultant and Adviser undertaking specific assignments of national import. His last contract was with the Government of Saint Lucia, providing coverage of Parliamentary Proceedings. Winston’s unique and distinctive voice was most definitely a special gift endowed by the gods. Inimitable, smoothly flowing, descriptive, exhilarating and flowery style made him a distinguished radio and television personality, second only perhaps to Saint Lucia’s highest ranking radio journalist, Alva Clarke. Winston’s productions of ceremonies of national, regional and international events have always been of an extremely high standard. In that regard, I have often described him as the Richard Dimbleby of Saint Lucia.
Winston was a derivative of what may be described as a bi-polar household from a political perspective. His father, Emmanuel “Man” Springer was a die-hard Labourite as he was one of the original political activist along with George Charles and others who started the Trade Union movement and fought for Adult Suffrage, while his mother Una (nee Alexander) was a die-hard PPP adherent who was George Mallet’s anchor in Central Castries. This situation, no doubt had his influence on Winston, who as a result developed a spirit of ECLECTICISM which allowed him to navigate political and socio-economic waters later in life with a certain degree of dexterity. Despite these philosophical differences, there was unity within the household. Very strong familial bonds were established not only in the core family but also in the extended family circles on both the paternal and maternal sides. Winston transmitted these fundamental principles of family cohesion to his own. Thus, he has been a loving, sincere, loyal and dedicated family man and the firm and distinguished, unshakeable bond that existed between himself and Junior is illustrative of this.
Besides his family, Winston had a wide circle of friends from all walks of life with whom he interacted. In addition, he also had his special clique of liming partners in whose company perhaps he was happiest. Although he was extremely close of his lodge so to speak, a distinguishing feature was his extreme loyalty to the cousins Vaughan Lewis and Bernard “Rameses” Theobalds. REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Winston F. Springer – A Saint Lucia Patriot, Committed Public Broadcaster
By Honourable Justice Gregory Regis, Ontario Court of Justice
The death of my dear friend Winston saddens me deeply. I am still struggling to process this reality. I am honoured to deliver this tribute to him.
I first met Winston in Dennery when we were children. He and his brothers were spending the summer vacation in the village, with their larger-than-life aunt, Ethelene Cooper. Ma Cooper and my mother were friends. But our friendship really began when I moved to Castries at age 18. Our friendship blossomed during his early days at Radio Caribbean and me at the Voice newspaper. It was fun to be with him.
Some people called him Springs. He called himself Springs. I never did. He was always Winston to me. I can’t say why. That’s just the way it was.
As the years progressed, our friendship became grounded in our shared philosophy about engaging in public service to our country. Although Winston started his broadcast career in the private sector at Radio Caribbean, he ultimately became a committed public broadcaster.
Winston was a principled broadcaster and journalist. He was a Saint Lucian patriot. He cared deeply about preserving the integrity of our national institutions and democratic processes.
He was a generous and caring human being. His life was rooted in the principle that one must always try to improve their community.
A review of his large body of work as News Editor and later, News Director at Radio Antilles from 1979 to 1982, reveals strong elements of public broadcasting, although Radio Antilles was a private entity. Such review reveals that he was always prepared; that he always tried to get the facts right. He was always courteous, respectful, and fair to his guests. He never blind-sided anyone. These are classic principles of public broadcasting. His relaxed style always produced great results. People often revealed more than they intended to. He was a consummate professional.
His work as a director of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) for several years, is further evidence of his devotion the public broadcasting. The main function of the CBU, is to promote the highest standard of broadcasting in the Caribbean. These attributes were on full display when he served as general manager of Radio Saint Lucia. His mission was clear. A national radio station must always operate in the service of the nation’s people.
Winston is a national treasure. His work will endure for generations. Some might be tempted to recall only his most recent projects – his excellent broadcasts from the sittings of the House of Assembly and ceremonies at Government House.
I ask you to also remember his excellent work at Radio Antilles between 1979 and 1982, where he actively promoted Caribbean unity and later as general manager of Radio Saint Lucia.
I commend to you, what I think is some of his best work. His series of biographical documentaries about Saint Lucians, who have made significant contributions to the country, are simply excellent. They include programs about legal luminary, Vernon Cooper; cultural icon and public servant, Hon. Charles Cadet; Dame Lawrence Laurent; Musical giant, Boo Hinkson and many others. I recommend his work to scholars, and anyone interested in producing serious literature about Saint Lucia. He was a fountain of knowledge on local politics.
Winston was also a caring co-worker and manager. At Radio Saint Lucia, he championed the causes of the other employees. His caring for, and working to protect the interests of other employees at the radio station, got him fired.Over the years, we joked and laughed many times about us being fired from our jobs at Radio Saint Lucia. We noted that, in essence, the reason for our firing was the same. We disagreed with the establishment, about the role of Radio Saint Lucia as a public broadcaster.
When, a few years ago, he called to tell me that Radio Saint Lucia had been shut down, there was no laughing. That was a tragic decision, we agreed. Saint Lucia had lost one of its most important institutions for cultural and national development. He lamented the closing of Radio Saint Lucia often.
Winston was an avid reader. He read books on subjects ranging from history, politics, philosophy to literature. When his roof was damaged by a storm a couple years ago, his biggest concern was the preservation of his books.
Winston loved his family. He loved his children. His son, Winston Junior was his pride and joy. I can’t recall one conversation with him in the past five years – and there were many – that he didn’t mention his son, Junior. He was quite taken with the fact that he was named after the British statesman, Winston Churchill. He often quoted Churchill during discussions about public policy. One of his favourite quotes was, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”
Our friendship was a loving one, filled with many great moments in Saint Lucia and Canada. There are funny and embarrassing stories too. But this is not the appropriate forum to share them.
My friend, I will miss your hearty laugh. I will miss your plain and frank speaking.
I will miss your colourful phrases. I will miss our debates. Most of all, I will miss spending time with you.
But I am consoled by the knowledge that you have left a fine legacy as a journalist, broadcaster, and human being. I will remember that. The positive impact of your work will continue to benefit, not only Saint Lucia, but the whole Caribbean region. I am comforted by that thought.
Rest in peace, my brother.
Statement from CBU Past President Vic Fernandes on the passing of former CBU Board Member, Winston Springer
We have lost yet another Caribbean broadcaster in Winston Springer, former General Manager of Radio Saint Lucia, and a former member of the Board of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union during my terms as President of the CBU.
We knew each other for over 40 years and spoke while I was in Saint Lucia for the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. We made plans that Saturday to get together but it didn’t happen, and we promised that in the near future we would meet in person when I return to Saint Lucia. Then came the news that he had passed.
A reminder that tomorrow is promised to no one. I knew that he was undergoing some medical treatment and there was a medical condition, but he was upbeat about the possibilities going forward.
His contribution to broadcasting in Saint Lucia and his contribution to the Caribbean Broadcasting Union cannot be denied. I want to thank him for his service to country and region. I say to his family you can feel proud of the work that he did over the years both in and out of broadcasting.
May he rest in peace and rise in eternal glory.
Farewell my friend.
THE LAST THING ON MY MIND (Tribute to My Brother)
By Cletus I Springer
They were eight of us, born to Daddy (Emmanuel Joseph Springer) and Mamma (Una Estephanie Springer). Now that you have left, “with no word of farewell,” we are five. The prospect of your passing at the age of 69 was the last thing on my mind.
We were born in two groups of 4, four years apart. You were the 5th child and third son. You were The Elder of our second group, and you quite ably fulfilled that role. Our boyhood days were fond and memorable. We played the games that boys played: breadfruit cricket and football, marbles, table tennis and hunting birds with our friend Bertram’s daisy gun. I remember that you and that daisy gun almost landed us in hospital courtesy of Daddy’s wrath.
We joined the Order on the same day in 1962, In that role, you became an early student and lover of Latin, which at the time was the language of the Holy Mass. We attended the same schools: Tabel Elementary, St. Aloysius R.C Boys School, and St. Mary’s College (SMC). While we were 2 years apart, we entered SMC in the same year – 1966. Our parents could not afford to buy a complete set of textbooks for each of us and so we shared books through to Form 4. Whenever our subjects clashed—which happened often—you willingly yielded to my needs.
Midway in your time at SMC, you flirted with the idea of joining the priesthood. It was more than a flirtation. With Mamma’s blessings, you signed up to live at the College hostel which at the time was reserved for budding seminarians. Mercifully, God intervened as He had other plans for you.
You developed an early fondness for the Arts, notably English Language, History and English Literature. Like all of us, you were a voracious reader, consuming a vast library that included Daddy’s illustrated Encyclopedia Britannica, the adventures of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew (secretly), the tragedies of Shakespeare, and the poetry of Wadsworth, Kipling, and Wolfe. I considered you an authority on the Reformation that swept through Europe in the 1500s and that gave birth to Protestant Church.
You surprised us all when you joined the SMC’s Sea Scouts led by Bro. Joachim Stack. I remember whenever you returned from summer camps and hikes around the country, you would sleep, seemingly for days. Often, I thought you did so deliberately because you knew that Mamma, burdened with empathy would have us do your chores for you.
We were raised in an era when radio was King. We were fed a daily menu of the BBC and Radio Deutsche Welle, Windward Islands Broadcasting Service (WIBS) and Radio Caribbean. Luckily, Daddy had always insisted on the use of proper grammar and pronunciation at home and in the BBC, you had the best companion a student of broadcasting could want. With this early exposure to the highest regional and international broadcasting standards, it was inevitable you would pursue a career in that field. And you took to it like a duck would take to water.
On leaving SMC in 1972, armed with GCE O’ Level passes in your favourite subjects, you worked briefly with Barnard and Sons before taking up a position as Information Assistant at the Union Agricultural Research Station headed by agronomist, Calixte George (now Sir). From that solid foundation, your career took off and you would earn national and regional acclaim during your stints as Radio Announcer with Radio Caribbean, Radio Antilles, and Radio Saint Lucia. Naturally, we were your biggest fans. We never missed your music shows, interviews, or news bulletins.
At Radio Antilles, you excelled in multifaceted roles as radio announcer, as DJ and as News Reporter. It was there that you perfected your craft. Your signature, booming voice was embraced by your regional audience as an instrument of credibility and authority. As a DJ, using the moniker “The Swinger, Winston Springer, you earned a legion of loyal fans across the region. In 1981, Radio Antilles deployed you to Saint Lucia to cover the political crisis that had gripped our country. Your twice-daily filings from the belly of that crisis were eagerly awaited by listeners in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean and in the Diaspora. The rich and unique insights you gained from that experience would later be used with telling effect in your interviews with key political actors in your popular syndicated programmes, “Then & Now” “Talking Point” and “Extraordinaire.” It was with a mixture of pride, admiration, and sadness that I watched NTN’s recent replay of your interviews with George Odlum and Mikey Pilgrim which were aired after your passing.
I thoroughly enjoyed our collaboration on the production of the award-winning documentary, “A Country in Crisis” which captured the political drama of that era in our country’s history. You could have written the script yourself, but you entrusted me with that task while you and your buddy, Harold “Georgie” George worked on the technical side of things. We were thrilled when the documentary won the Creative Journalism Award from the Minvielle and Chastanet Fine Arts Awards Committee. I fondly remember you split the monetary prize equally with Georgie and me. Later, we worked together on radio coverage of Pope John Paul the Second’s memorable visit to Saint Lucia in 1986. By that time, you had been appointed General Manager of Radio St. Lucia. I recall the family’s unbridled joy at that crowning achievement. Daddy’s chest swelled with pride and Mamma would spend more time on her knees praying for your success.
In your role as Vice-President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) you traveled the world attending meetings of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Union, in the company of your dear friend and then President, Victor Fernandes. I remember the souvenirs you brought back from those trips for the family.
Throughout the rise in your popularity, you kept your friends close and your family even closer. Whenever the family needed you, you were there! You presided over all my book launches. You happily took Mamma on Sunday afternoon drives. You took us with you to dances around the country. You made time for family events and ensured that all family visiting from overseas had “loads and loads” of fun. You were always a fierce defender of the family’s name. You would snap at anyone who wittingly or unwittingly criticized a family member. I was a frequent beneficiary of your bull-doggish defense, especially during my time in the Public Service.
We had our quarrels. I regretted them then, as I do now. They were few and brief; still they were painful. I felt you were too politically exposed and urged you to make your career more resilient to the vagaries of politics. I could not bear to see your gigantic talent being smothered while you remained unemployed for long political cycles. Eventually, I had to accept you were born to live YOUR life, not mine and that your approach to politics was no different to your approach to friendship and to life. With you, my dear brother, there were no half-way measures. You gifted your time and talent to numerous causes, notably to the Ex-Service Men’s League and St. Mary’s College.
I will miss our extended telephone chats on everything under the sun, interspersed with peels of your thunderous laughter. It is instructive that the last six months of your life would be defined by four unforgettable phone calls: two from you and two from Winston Jnr. First you called to say that your heart was in bad shape. About a month later, you called to say that your heart function had significantly improved and surgery to produce a more permanent fix could soon be scheduled. Then came those two calls from Junior on May 23, 2023, that will stay with me FOREVER. The first call was to tell me you had collapsed and had been taken to the hospital. The second, about 15 minutes later was to deliver the simple but devastating message: “Uncle Cletus…HE’S GONE!”
You went away with no word of farewell, but happily, you left behind much more of a trace of you. Your deeds are evident in your offspring, Winston Jnr, Jamal and Zhané, the sterling quality of your friendships, your imposing talent, your consummate professionalism, and your unswerving loyalty to family, friends and to your numerous causes.
It was a blessing having you as a brother. On reflection, I feel I could have loved you better. I didn’t mean to be unkind. That would have been the last thing on my mind.
Fare thee well, my dear brother. Until we meet again.
Remembering Winston
By Julian Rogers
My most enduring memory of Winston Springer is his contagious laugh, an uncontainable burst of joy. Whether he was sharing one of his captivating tales or reacting to something his friends told him, his laughter filled the room and brought a smile to everyone’s face.
That same passion and enthusiasm were also evident when Winston spoke about situations he believed were severe wrongs that demanded immediate attention. He had a way of detailing these issues that made it clear they were not just matters of concern but urgent matters that required action.
I had the privilege of knowing Winston in various capacities—as a friend, a journalist, a broadcaster, and later as someone who adeptly navigated the political landscape of St. Lucia, which was no small feat. While managing Radio Antilles, I encouraged Winston to join us in Montserrat to lend even greater credibility to our reporting from Castries. Our friendship grew more robust during this time, although we had crossed paths years earlier during my leisurely days in St. Lucia.
At Radio Antilles, Winston showcased his resourcefulness and adaptability, essential for our long-distance reporting. He had a knack for compellingly finding and delivering the necessary information, ensuring our listeners were well-informed.
I also discovered that Winston had a peculiar habit of adding salt to his meals without tasting them. So, whenever he entered the company canteen, I would playfully remove all the salt shakers to prevent him from indulging in his salty preference immediately.
Winston was a friend to me and a guardian to my family—my wife and daughter—especially when I was away at Syracuse University for six months in 1979. He looked out for them and provided support in my absence, showing his true character and kindness.
Winston often contacted me in the following years to keep me updated with the latest happenings involving our former Radio Antilles colleagues like Jeff Fedee or discuss significant regional developments. His voracious appetite for news extended to sharing whatever he was reading online. At one point, I kindly asked him to stop sharing so much as my inbox became inundated with articles already shared by others. It was a testament to his commitment to staying informed and his eagerness to keep others informed.
My last memorable experience with Winston was at St. Lucia Jazz, where we embarked on a delightful journey from Derek Walcott Square to Pigeon Island and various other locations. We caught up with old friends, immersed ourselves in the music, and embraced the spirit of being proud Caribbean people. It was a time filled with laughter, camaraderie, and treasured memories.
Farewell, Winston. You will be warmly welcomed in the realm above, connecting with old friends such as Double Head.
We will continue to remember Winston Springer fondly and share his stories, ensuring his laughter and passion live on in our hearts.
Thank You Winston
By Jerry George
I extend sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr. Winston Springer. My brother, Harold shared a closer friendship than I did with Winston, and sympathies are also expressed on behalf of Harold’s wife, Priscilla, who like most of us, was shocked by his sudden passing. Winston has had an exemplary career in broadcasting that spans decades– as a practicing professional and mentor to younger newcomers. Mr. Springer and I worked closely when he was appointed General Manager at Radio Saint Lucia (RSL) and shortly afterwards I was promoted to the position of Deputy Programme Director.
Before that, however, I had started with Radio Antilles in Montserrat but after a few months there I got a call from Mr. Winston Springer, and in a nutshell he said “come back home”. In August 1983, I got my letter of appointment at RSL. What impressed me at the time was his confidence in me to be part of the management team but also to provide his unending support during my tenure. Most will remember him for his deep and authoritative voice; Indeed, he loved the microphone and excelled in newsreading, interviews and documentary styled programmes, but meeting with him one-on-one almost daily, it was his “boss-style” I appreciated most back then. He was calm and meticulous with his questioning and wanting to be one step ahead. Mr Springer’s style of management was one of guidance, encouragement and trust. He provided enough room to do the job and without unnecessary interference. We had an open door communication relationship and we seldom differed on programming ideas. This vote of confidence that Mr. Springer so willingly gave me in running the department provided RSL the edge to be innovative. Under Mr. Springer’s watch we transformed the programming at RSL especially with the help of Mr. Dik Henderson, a CBU consultant from Trinidad and Tobago who looked at our plan and gave it the green light.
During the three years I served as Programme Director, a lot was achieved. Thank you Mr. Winston Springer, Sr., For giving me that big confidence booster when you said in your call to me in Monsterrat “St. Lucia needs you”; also for you creating the enabling environment to explore the airwaves creatively and to thrive. This meant a lot to me at a time, especially after completing studies at CARIMAC and returning to Saint Lucia to an environment of uncertainty. RSL was always in a bind for financial resources. But those who have gone thru the fire know that every day on the air was a “miracle”. Mr. Springer was committed to the RSL as the Sound of Service and believed the people of St. Lucia deserved the best that RSLs money could afford. Working together, that commitment was fulfilled. Thank you, Sir.
The Winston Springer I Knew
By David Ellis
My Whatsapp messages from Winston Springer stopped on the evening of May 23; the day he died. That night was unusual because he seldom ended the night without wishing me well, and often with a spiritual message.
His passing has ended a friendship that started back in 1979/80 when we both worked for Radio Antilles, like some many others, brought together by that giant of a Caribbean media revolutionary, Julian Rogers.
My recollection is that I met Winston before he came to Montserrat because back in 1979, I journeyed to St. Lucia to cover the general election of that year. That’s when the St. Lucia Labour Party was on a march to victory with George Odlum, Peter Josey and Allan Louisy in the forefront and against the mighty John Compton. Winston helped to guide me through the political intrigue and the tension of that campaign, in the process introducing to some of the leading political figures of the day.
We then worked together as journalists at Antilles, and along with the likes of Don Bob from St. Vincent and Raymond Lawrence from Dominica we shared many a happy moment on the company bus taking us from Plymouth to the transmission site at O’garro’s in the south of the country. For it was in that bus that we heard Winston’s life stories and exploits, his laughter and his wit.
Apart from News, he also presented a show where he reveled in country music and calypso, especially the Mighty Sparrow and Dave Martin and the Tradewinds; oh how he loved Boyhood Days by the Tradewinds and Cricket In The Jungle.
Eventually, I came back to Barbados and he back to St. Lucia. Initially, we were in contact periodically but, thanks to Whatsapp, we got back in touch with each other on a more regularly. Indeed, I was able to follow Winston’s concerns, his joys and his prayers from the many postings he made in our whatsapp chat. His last post to me was pictures of the Royal Goal established in Castries in 1827 and demolished on May 23, 2020.
He shared thoughts on the value of Harry Belafonte, De-dolarization, the war in Ukraine, crime in the Caribbean, outstanding black figures of our era, and the politics of St. Lucia, especially his affection for the St. Lucia Labour Party.
Winston Springer was a proud Lucian and a man who loved this Caribbean; I already miss our chats but will treasure the friendship and the memories he brought me.
To all of you who grieve, and especially to his brother, Cletus, wife Eldra, his former wife Celine, and his children Winston Jnr., Jamal and Zhane, I leave you with an extract from a prayer Winston sent me not so long ago in which it said to God: “Many are they who need Your comfort and embrace, please grant them their heart’s desire.”
So long Garcon!
So long, my friend!