Condolences continue to pour in for one of the Saint Lucia’s best-known sports journalists and commentators, Brian McDonald. The veteran sportscaster died on Sunday January 17th at the age of 43. “It is with deep sadness that the board, management and staff of Radio St. Lucia announce the passing of sports reporter, Brian ‘Ras Ipic’ McDonald,” read a post on the Facebook page of Radio Saint Lucia’s General Manager McClaude Emmanuel. McDonald had been an employee of Radio Saint Lucia for several years.
The post went on to note: “Brian was a beloved son, brother, father, friend and an icon in sports and the Saint Lucia media fraternity. His passing leaves a deep void that stretches beyond the corridors of Radio St. Lucia and permeates the homes of thousands of listeners who’ve had the pleasure of tuning in to RSL’s sportscast or listening to his alter ego, ‘Ras Ipic’ as he is affectionately known by listeners to Reggae Vybz”. Today, we pray for his family; his beautiful daughters, siblings and friends who are all feeling the pain associated with losing a loved one.”
Also weighing in on McDonald’s passing was the Caribbean Sports Journalists’ Association (CASJA) as it extended condolences to the family and friends of the late sportscaster. “He was a dedicated journalist whose professionalism gained him the respect of his peers,” noted the association.
Michael Bascombe, President of CASJA, said: “I have learnt with deep shock the untimely death of Brian who, until his death on Sunday, was an accomplished journalist and broadcaster at Radio St Lucia for almost 25 years. I therefore join colleagues in the region in expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Radio St Lucia, the entire media fraternity and St Lucia for the loss of a journalist par excellence”.
Further, “He will be missed for his charm, his courage, his zeal, his skills and his willingness to share his ideas with all. That’s due not only to his distinguished career and work ethic but to his warm character and his good nature. He represented his profession with dignity and integrity.” Veteran sports commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira also paid tribute to McDonald. “Sports in Saint Lucia have suffered a great loss with the passing of Brian McDonald and in particular football and boxing. As a sportscaster Brian always had the passion and discipline and produced one of the most rounded sportscasts in the region. I have lost a friend and colleague. RIP”.
At the time of his passing Brian McDonald was the Vice President of the St. Lucia Amateur Boxing Association (SLABA) and an organizer of local football including the popular Blackheart Football. Reports are that McDonald collapsed on Sunday in a room where he had overnighted after covering a sports event on Saturday. He was rushed to the Soufriere hospital but never recovered.
