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Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has paid tribute to veteran broadcaster Doug Hoyte, who passed away on Wednesday.
The media stalwart was a distinctive voice as an anchor for many years on the CBC Evening News, where he became a household name across Barbados.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Hoyte was involved in business and community service, operating in the hospitality sector and at one time entering the political arena.
Prime Minister Mottley hailed him as a “Barbadian who loved his country and served it with distinction, whether in the media, through cultural endeavours, the hospitality sector or as a political candidate for the Democratic Labour Party in the 2003 General Elections.”
The full statement by the Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on the passing of Doug Hoyte follows:
It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Doug Hoyte, a man whose voice, presence, and contributions touched every corner of our island nation.
While we often stood on opposite sides of the political fence, there are moments in time when politics must yield to a deeper sense of national appreciation and grief. Doug Hoyte was a Barbadian who loved his country and served it with distinction, whether in the media, through cultural endeavours, the hospitality sector or as a political candidate for the Democratic Labour Party in the 2003 General Elections.
For generations, Doug was the steady voice and personality that provided comfort and clarity to our daily lives. Doug first joined the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in the 1980s, before leaving in 1995.
He returned to CBC as a presenter with Mornin’ Barbados from 2011 until 2016, at which time he was elevated to General Manager until July 20th 2018. As the news anchor for Evening News and as a dynamic co-host on Mornin’ Barbados, he presented with style and flair, and his presence was always a reassuring staple.
It must be noted, the dedication to his craft was not only celebrated at home, but recognised internationally, earning him the prestigious distinction of being an Emmy Award-winning journalist. His career, which spanned across North America and the Caribbean, would ultimately see him rise to the position of General Manager of CBC.
But beyond the television screen, Doug’s passion for Barbados also manifested in our culture. He was a celebrated figure in the Crop Over community, lending his talent as a designer for the popular and highly successful Renegades band. Furthermore, his extensive experience was put to excellent use in the tourism sector, where he served as a former Director of Corporate Communications at Almond Resorts.
The genuine outpouring of condolences from citizens across all walks of life in our country is the true measure of his impact, however. That is the proof that Doug Hoyte’s unique gift for connecting with people, making the news accessible, and fostering a sense of community will remain deeply appreciated. Indeed, his legacy is one of dedication, passion, and true Barbadian excellence.
To his beloved wife, Wendy and his children, his extended family, his countless friends, his former CBC colleagues, members of the Democratic Labour Party and all members of the media fraternity, I offer the deepest condolences of the Government and people of Barbados. We share in your grief.
His work is done, his legacy secured, and as he often signed off, we can hear him now: “Strike up the band, we’re going home.”
May he rest in peace.
