The media community in Saint Lucia is grieving the profound loss of Vanessa ‘Lissa’ Joseph, who passed away on January 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with illness. Remembered as both exceptionally talented and deeply cherished, Joseph’s legacy spans nearly two decades of transformative contributions to Caribbean journalism.
Her remarkable journey began at Corinth Secondary School, where even as a student she demonstrated extraordinary eloquence and command of the English language that signaled her future in media. Joseph launched her distinguished career through Radio Saint Lucia’s Youth Talk programme, quickly establishing herself as a multifaceted talent in feature presentation, documentary narration, and commercial voice work.
Her professional trajectory included significant tenures with multiple prominent media houses—DBS, Calabash TV, Hot 7 TV, and the Government Information Service (GIS). Colleagues recall her unwavering dedication to the profession even during her health challenges, with her passion for journalism remaining undiminished throughout her struggles.
In 2021, Joseph returned to DBS Television with renewed vigor, displaying the same characteristic smile, humility, and humor that had become her trademarks. Beyond her on-air presence, she was recognized for her thoughtful advocacy for media development in Saint Lucia, consistently pushing for improvements in professional standards and support for emerging journalists.
Her final public appearance occurred at the Sandals Media brunch on November 29, 2025, where she actively participated in discussions about bridging generational gaps within the media industry. Alongside prominent figures including Judy Deterville and Earl Bousquet, Joseph helped shape conversations about fostering growth and supporting younger practitioners in the field.
The news of her passing, delivered against the backdrop of these recent collaborative efforts, has sent shockwaves through the media community. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes describing her as kind, respectful, sincere, humble, brave, strong, jovial, and profoundly professional.
Born on October 25, 1982, Joseph is survived by her immediate family and her mother, who remained constantly at her bedside during her final hospitalization and described her daughter as her best friend and confidant. Her passing leaves a significant void not only within media circles but also among the countless Saint Lucians who connected with her through her groundbreaking work.