The media community across Antigua and Barbuda is grieving the loss of Darren Richards, a highly respected broadcast technician who passed away following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Pointe Broadcasting Network officially confirmed his passing on Tuesday, paying tribute to his significant yet often overlooked contributions to the nation’s media landscape.
Richards served as a quiet professional whose technical expertise formed the backbone of Pointe FM’s ‘Nightly News’ production. In an industry typically focused on on-air personalities, Richards exemplified the essential behind-the-scenes professionals who ensure seamless broadcast operations. Colleagues remembered his consistently calm presence in the newsroom, particularly during high-pressure live broadcasts, where his steady demeanor provided reassurance to presenters and production staff alike.
The network released an official statement emphasizing how technicians and engineers like Richards frequently work without public recognition despite being fundamental to media operations. “Pointe Broadcasting Network is deeply grateful for the time Darren spent with us and for the meaningful contributions he made to our nightly news operations,” the statement read, while extending sympathies to his family, relatives, and friends.
In a demonstration of Richards’ widespread respect, condolences also came from political quarters. The St. John’s City West branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party issued a separate statement through chairman Rodney Jarvis, conveying sympathies from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, branch executives, and constituency members. The statement specifically addressed former chairman Delano Richards and Darren’s immediate family, encouraging them to find strength in faith during this difficult period of mourning.
Both tributes highlighted Richards’ legacy as a dedicated professional whose technically vital work, though largely invisible to the public audience, played an indispensable role in broadcast journalism and media operations throughout the region.