Veteran broadcaster Ron Robinson dies at 79

Veteran Guyanese broadcaster and theatre actor Ronald “Ron” Robinson has died at the age of 79. He passed away on Friday at his Hadfield Street, Georgetown, home after experiencing several health complications. Robinson’s voice and vision helped shape Guyana’s media and cultural landscape for more than five decades.
After completing Smith’s Primary School, he attended the prestigious Queen’s College. Robinson initially dreamt of becoming an airline pilot or an Anglican priest, but after entering a call for new broadcasters in August 1965 at the British Guiana Broadcasting Service, he never looked back. In a previous Facebook post, Robinson had described his broadcasting career as “a most rewarding period of my life.” Only a few months back, Robinson celebrated 60 years of being in radio and 70 years in theatre. Having conducted over 2000 interviews throughout his career, an interview with world-renowned musician Stevie Wonder stands out.
During an interview back in August of this year with the Guyana Chronicle to commemorate his milestone career, Robinson recalled not just interviewing Wonder, who was in Guyana to perform, but also driving the American musician from Radio Demerara on High Street back to the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. Described as a giant in Guyanese broadcasting and the creative arts, Robinson is largely recognised as the “voice of radio” in Guyana.
In theatre and arts, his contributions are highly celebrated. Robinson, a founding member of The Theatre Company of Guyana, was the creator of popular local productions such as the radio programme Merundoi and comedy specials like ‘Stretched Out Magazine’ and The Link Show.

“I think theatre is a mirror to society, a reflection of ourselves. Whether it’s drama, comedy or satire, theatre allows society to see itself in ways that traditional media can’t,” he had stated during the interview less than four months ago. Back in May during the observance of World Press Freedom Day, Robinson received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Dr Irfaan Ali – just one among the many awards he was a recipient of, including the national honour of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA), which he received in 1990. Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister (PM) with Responsibility for Information and Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, described Robinson as a towering figure whose voice, discipline and vision helped shape Guyana’s modern media landscape. “From the start of his broadcasting career in 1965, Ron Robinson set standards that defined professionalism in radio and broadcasting for more than five decades. He was a mentor to generations of announcers, a trainer who believed deeply in preparation and clarity and a guardian of broadcasting ethics at a time when the media was finding its national voice. His influence extended beyond Guyana through regional training and continuous guidance to broadcasters committed to excellence,” the Minister stated. McCoy went on to highlight that Robinson’s contribution to cultural broadcasting and the performing arts strengthened the role of media as a vehicle for national identity and storytelling. Robinson’s leadership in civic organisations reflected a lifelong commitment to service and youth development, the Minister noted while adding that his work leaves a lasting imprint on how Guyana communicates with itself and the world.
“On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extend condolences to his family, colleagues and the media fraternity. Guyana and the wider Caribbean has lost a pioneer whose legacy will continue to guide the standards and values of our media for generations to come,” McCoy stated. Meanwhile, the loss of veteran Guyanese broadcaster is also being mourned by the Guyana Press Association (GPA). Recognising Robinson as one of the longest-serving broadcasters in Guyana, the GPA said he served the media with professionalism, effectiveness and distinction. “Ron brought elegant energy and remarkable repartee to his morning drive-time radio shows. He delivered the news with authority and conducted countless interviews that upheld the highest tenets of journalism. Whether on radio, television or online, Ron Robinson consistently set and maintained a high standard. He approached his work with thorough preparation and generously mentored many within the media fraternity,” the Association noted. It added that broadcasting in Guyana benefited immensely from his long, dedicated involvement. The numerous accolades he received over the years reflect the deep respect and admiration in which he was held. The GPA joins the wider Guyanese community in extending sincere condolences to his children, Paul and Allison, and to his immediate family, the theatre and cultural community and all the organisations he faithfully served. Among those organisations was the Rotary Community, where Robinson served as President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central.
He was also Vice President (VP) of the Scout Association of Guyana and a director of the Volunteer Youth Corps. During his illustrious career, Robinson also played a major role in the motorsport sector, serving as President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for three terms (1991-1992, 1994-1995, and 2002-2004). According to the GMR&SC, he left behind a legacy defined by service, creativity and passion.
“Ron was more than a President – he was a steady hand who returned to lead the club at key moments in its development. His three terms…marked periods of renewed energy and direction for the organisation… Each [term] reflected his commitment to strengthening motorsport in Guyana and ensuring the club continued to grow in professionalism and community impact… His contributions to GMR&SC and to the cultural life of Guyana will long be remembered and deeply appreciated.” The GMR&SC said Robinson served wherever he believed he could make a difference – and he did.