KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC- An opposition political activist and radio personality, Colin Graham, was rushed to hospital on Monday after he fell ill and collapsed while conducting his radio programme.
Graham was hosting the opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) “New Times” programme, on NICE Radio, when he collapsed in the studio, Douglas De Freitas, the station’s manager told listeners. He said the programme, which is broadcast on weekdays would be suspended until Tuesday.
A worker at the station found Graham in the studio and her screams in reaction were broadcast live as she appealed for help for the broadcaster.
“It is still very concerning to all of us who were listening to the programme this morning, as I was, for his family and I believe for all the people in St Vincent and the Grenadines, who would be very concerned and worried this morning,” NDP President and Opposition Leader Godwin Friday said.
“We got to the studio shortly after. He was sitting up. The party’s general secretary has taken him to the hospital,” Friday said and asked listeners to keep Graham in their prayers.
“We are still very concerned; very worried. We are all very concerned for him. It is good to know that he was speaking,” Friday said, adding “let’s hope and pray that this is something that will be resolved soon and that Colin will be back as soon as possible”.
He said that the most important thing now is for Graham to be checked out by medical staff at the hospital.
Graham has become the second “New Times” host to fall ill live on radio. In 2012, then host of the programme was incomprehensible for about 12 minutes live on air after suffering a stroke in the NICE Radio studio.
He died two years later.
In August 2020, communications professional and activist Samuel Jeremiah George better known as Jerry S George died during a live broadcast of his “Early in the Morning with Jerry S George” after telling his co-host, “I’ll step out of the frame, eh. Okay? You go ahead.”
