Fire damages former Antigua Broadcasting Service facility
One of the two fire tenders with smoke coming from
the burnt building in the background. Part of the red
antenna of the transmitter can also be seen
by Sarrah Hadeed
Caribbean Net News Antigua & Barbuda Correspondent
E-mail: sarrahhadeed@yahoo.com
Monday, September 19, 2005
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: A fire of unknown
origin on Sunday scorched and damaged the building that once housed the radio
section of the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS).
The building, which is located at Radio Range, also sits just a few feet from
the station's 10,000 watts transmitter. However, one technician told
Caribbean Net News that the transmitter was not damaged. He added,
however, that the station's AM service is now off air due to some damage done
to power lines as a result of the fire. He also pointed out that the building
only housed spare parts and diesel for the generator. The station's FM
service is still on the air. Meanwhile, one
former broadcaster interviewed by Caribbean Net News, revealed that the
building has long been a source of controversy and it is alleged that a number
of staff members there died as a result of asbestos problems.
Caribbean Net News Senior Correspondent, St. Kitts-born Norman 'Gus'
Thomas, who spent some six years as ABS Radio's General Manager, confirmed
that there seemed to have been some problems with the old facility.
"When I took over the station it had long been moved to Mercers Creek, an area
some 14 miles from the capital and I also heard the whispers concerning the
deaths. I took up the matter with the then Permanent Secretary Lounel Stevens,
who did not confirm the alleged deaths but told me that the facility was
suspect." Thomas said he is happy to hear
that there were no deaths or damage to the transmitter, adding that: "ABS is
one of the flagship stations of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OCES)
and has produced some outstanding broadcasters such as Ephraim John, the
former Deputy Governor General, Lady Yvonne Maginley, and Mickey Campbell
Matthew to name a few. Long before these other late-comers like ZDK, Crusader
Radio, Family Radio and Observer Radio came in the mix all hot and sweaty, ABS
Radio has been there blazing the trail," Thomas said.
According to reports, a full investigation will be carried out into the cause
of the "mysterious" early morning blaze.
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