The new ‘Voice of St Andrew’s 104.5 Love FM’ Radio Station was officially launched in a small but significant ceremony on Saturday 27 September 2014. The VOS 104.5 FM station, located at The Villa Grenville has been in its testing stage for the last two months.
Founder and owner, David Allard and his team are set to give the people of St Andrew their own distinct voice. The VOSFM team comprises of BBC trained radio veteran Paul Roberts, radio talk show specialist Jeanette McEwen, long standing broadcaster Jason “Dr Love” Gibbs and two fresh new radio talents, “Easy morning man” Allan Montague and Reggae whiz Moses Marrast.
The station’s vision is to bring “Motivational & Inspirational Radio with a difference.” Programme contents will focus on supporting and uplifting the sectors of Agriculture; Education; Business; Social and Health Issues. The station’s music base will be one of easy listening and smooth sounds from the genres of reggae, gospel, country, R&B and soul, to satisfy those looking for a more peaceful radio station to accompany their days and nights. VOSFM promises to truly reflect the lives of the people and communities of St Andrew and Grenada as a whole.
Saturday’s official launch was attended by Parliamentary Rep for St Andrew SW, Yolande Bain Horsford, who wholeheartedly offered her support to Allard and his team. Bain Horsford shared that she “looks forward to this station and hopes this lasts forever,” she emphasised that “the public and the business sector needs to support this entity and ensure that we keep it intact, as this is OUR Voice of St Andrew.”
As a pastor of many years in the community, Pastor Samuel Niles has always supported radio broadcasting, and will himself be hosting a regular spiritual, Gospel sharing program on VOS 104.5 Love FM. As the minister of the official blessings invoked during the launch ceremony he commended the perseverance of Allard and reminded him, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builder’s labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Pastor Niles encouraged the team to maintain their sense of unity and work together to deal with any discrepancies and trials that will ensue. Pastor told them, “In a world that is presently plagued with such evil and malicious influences, a media house such as this must be mindful of Romans 12:21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” referring to their work and responsibilities to their audience.
VOS 104.5 Love FM will air as a sister station to the Paul Roberts owned ‘Spice Capital Radio.’ This is the second time Allard has founded a radio station. In 1998, under the same Spice Capital Radio brand, he effectively established the parish’s very first radio station, the much loved ‘St Andrew’s Connection’ (SAC104.7FM), which he later passed on to his cousin. Allard stated, “It’s all for you St Andrew, with love! So join us and let’s give our parish the voice it deserves. Tune into the Voice of St Andrew 104.5 Love FM.”
Allard aims to increase this new station’s coverage and create online streaming to ensure that the entire nation and the world are reached by October 2014 onward.
